Chicken Maria
Chicken Maria combines tender baked chicken with a creamy peach and broccoli topping, featuring smoky paprika and a tangy sauce, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter with paprika and onion flakes.
- Dip boneless chicken breasts in the butter mixture, then bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes.
- While the chicken cooks, cook the broccoli and drain it.
- Drain the can of peaches.
- Arrange cooked broccoli, baked chicken, and peaches in a shallow pan.
- Mix mayonnaise and sour cream to make the sauce and pour over the ingredients in the pan.
- Broil the assembled dish for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic powder to the butter mixture or substituting fresh garlic for the onion flakes. You can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you want to add a twist, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy flavor. This dish also pairs beautifully with Chicken A La Eansor for a delightful dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Maria with a side of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables would complement the dish nicely. For a hearty meal, consider pairing it with Creamed Corn Chicken, which offers a contrasting texture and flavor to the sweetness of the peaches.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, place the chicken and vegetables in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F until warmed through, about 15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Maria contains roughly 449 calories, with 3g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (10% 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 other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Absolutely! You can substitute broccoli with asparagus, green beans, or even mixed vegetables. Just ensure that whatever vegetable you choose is cooked until tender before combining it with the chicken and sauce.
Is it necessary to broil the dish?
Broiling adds a nice golden finish to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal and flavor. However, if you're short on time, you can skip this step and serve it straight from the oven after baking.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetable assembly ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator covered until you are ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
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).