Chicken In Tomato Sauce With Mini Matzoh Balls
A comforting chicken dish cooked in rich tomato sauce with tender mini matzoh balls, perfect for cozy family dinners or Jewish holidays, combining savory flavors and hearty texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare mini matzoh balls using your preferred recipe or matzoh ball mix and set aside.
- Slice the onion and layer it in the bottom of a pan with a small amount of vegetable oil.
- Remove the skin from the chicken quarters.
- Braise the chicken in the pan for several minutes on each side until browned.
- Drain off excess oil from the pan.
- Add enough tomato sauce to cover the chicken, allowing extra for absorption by the matzoh balls. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Cook on low to medium heat for approximately 1 hour.
- Add the prepared mini matzoh balls into the sauce and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the sauce. If you don't have matzoh ball mix, you can use store-bought dumplings as a substitute. Make sure to brown the chicken well for depth of flavor. You can also experiment with different types of tomato sauce, such as crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with Bright Green Beans for a balanced meal. Serve over fluffy rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also complement it with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for added nutrition and color.
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 low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken In Tomato Sauce With Mini Matzoh Balls contains roughly 354 calories, with 8g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1091mg per serving (47% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Boneless pieces will cook faster, so check for doneness after about 30-40 minutes. The flavor may be slightly different as the bones contribute to the richness of the sauce.
What can I use if I don't have matzoh ball mix?
If you don't have matzoh ball mix, you can make your own by combining matzoh meal, eggs, and water or broth. Alternatively, you can use store-bought dumplings or even rice balls as a substitute for a different texture.
Is it possible to freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken in tomato sauce with matzoh balls. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove.
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).