Chicken In Italian Sauce
A quick and flavorful chicken dish simmered in Italian-style tomato sauce with mushrooms, perfect for a comforting meal suitable for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 3-quart casserole dish, place chicken with meat pieces around edges.
- Stir together spaghetti sauce mix and water.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and microwave on High for 16 to 18 minutes, until chicken is tender.
- Stir in peeled and quartered tomatoes and sliced mushrooms into the chicken.
- Microwave on High for an additional 8 to 10 minutes.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some Italian herbs like basil or oregano to the sauce mixture. If you don't have spaghetti sauce mix, you can use marinara sauce or a combination of canned tomatoes with Italian seasoning. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can also be added for more nutrition. This dish pairs beautifully with Linguini Pomodoro.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken in Italian sauce over rice for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, pair it with a fresh green salad and garlic bread. If you're looking for more Italian recipes, consider serving it alongside Chicken, Broccoli And Sun-Dried Tomatoes With Pasta for a delightful flavor combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. Heat on medium power until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken In Italian Sauce contains roughly 33 calories, with 5g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be aware that cooking times may need to be adjusted. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If using frozen chicken pieces, increase the microwave cooking time by about 5-10 minutes.
What can I substitute for spaghetti sauce mix?
If you don't have spaghetti sauce mix, you can create a substitute using crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. This will provide a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, using a jar of your favorite marinara or pasta sauce works well too.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to the dish, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. You can also opt for spicier varieties of Italian sausage instead of chicken for an extra kick.
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).