Chicken Cara-Mia
A savory chicken dish with artichokes, olives, and peppers in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for hearty, flavorful meals suited to family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain oil off artichoke hearts; save.
- Add artichoke hearts to olive oil and heat in a large frypan.
- Skin chicken breasts and cut into large pieces; cook in the olive oil mixture.
- Remove chicken when done and set aside.
- Quarter the onions and chop the green peppers into medium pieces.
- Add onions and peppers to the frypan and sauté.
- Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until just tender.
- Add crushed garlic cloves and stir.
- Add tomato puree, crushed tomatoes, olives, and cooked chicken to the pan.
- Add remaining ingredients; cook for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in an Easy Chicken Marinade before cooking. You can substitute the black olives with green olives if desired, and feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the dish. For a lighter version, use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Cara-Mia over a bed of rice or alongside Rice Vegetable Pilaf for a complete meal. A side salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the dish well. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes for a themed dinner night.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cara-Mia contains roughly 625 calories, with 23g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (150% of the Daily Value), iron (121% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 584mg per serving (25% 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 fresh artichokes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh artichokes, but they will require more preparation time. You'll need to cook them until tender before adding them to the recipe. Canned artichokes are convenient and save time in this dish.
What can I serve with Chicken Cara-Mia?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of Quail Risotto.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Chicken Cara-Mia a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for a quick and delicious meal.
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).