Chicken In Spanish Sauce
Juicy chicken pieces simmered in a savory Spanish tomato sauce with aromatic herbs, perfect for a flavorful family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter or margarine in a large skillet.
- Brown chicken on both sides; remove from pan.
- Saute chopped onion and minced garlic in the remaining fat for 3 minutes or until tender.
- Add canned tomatoes, bay leaf, celery seed, crumpled sage, water, and salt to the skillet.
- Return the browned chicken to the pan.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the spices overnight. If you don’t have celery seed, finely chopped celery can be used as a substitute. For a thicker sauce, try adding a tablespoon of tomato paste. You can also use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Roux for a robust flavor combination.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken in Spanish Sauce over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad complements the dish well. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a glass of red wine, which enhances the savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken In Spanish Sauce contains roughly 449 calories, with 4g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (75% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 skinless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken pieces if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the skin adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist during cooking. If using skinless, monitor the cooking time closely to avoid drying out the chicken.
What can I substitute for canned tomatoes?
If you don't have canned tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes (about 4-5 medium tomatoes) or crushed tomatoes. Just be sure to adjust the amount of water you add to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos for heat. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preference to ensure it meets your desired spice level.
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).