Cherry Pepper Chicken Casserole
A flavorful chicken casserole featuring tangy cherry peppers, olive condiment, and tomato paste, perfect for those who enjoy spicy, savory dishes with a comforting appeal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 12 x 8-inch casserole dish, layer the chicken pieces.
- Set aside. Discard half of the juice from the olive condiment jar.
- Add the remaining juice and olive condiment to the tomato paste and cherry peppers.
- Mix well and pour over the layered chicken.
- Bake at 375°F for 1 hour.
- Serve over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dish, consider marinating the chicken in the olive condiment overnight. If you can't find sweet cherry peppers, roasted red peppers can serve as a substitute. To enhance the dish, try adding some fresh herbs like basil or oregano. This recipe is adaptable; you might also explore using different chicken parts or even a whole chicken cut into pieces.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole over cooked rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad. For a twist, try serving it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is also great for family gatherings or potlucks, alongside other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cherry Pepper Chicken Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Pepper Chicken Casserole contains roughly 66 calories, with 6g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken instead of wings or legs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken for this casserole. Just adjust the cooking time as boneless cuts typically cook faster. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
What if I don't have tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can substitute it with an equal amount of tomato sauce, although it may yield a slightly thinner consistency. You might also consider using crushed tomatoes, adjusting the liquid ratio as necessary.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze Cherry Pepper Chicken Casserole. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).