Chicken Sauce Piquant
Chicken Sauce Piquant is a flavorful, hearty dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato and vegetable sauce with bold spices. Its vibrant flavors and comforting texture make it perfect for family dinners or gatherings, served hot over rice or pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 5 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 4 large onions, chopped
- 2 medium bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 3 pods garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 large can sweet peas ⓘ
- 1 large can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 large can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 large can tomato puree ⓘ
- 1 large hen or fryer ⓘ
- 2 quarts chicken broth ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil the chicken until tender, then remove it from the bones and set aside. Save the broth from boiling.
- Heat oil in a large Dutch oven until hot. Add flour and cook until medium brown to make a roux.
- Add chopped celery, onions, and bell peppers to the roux. Cook until the vegetables melt and soften.
- Add the whole tomatoes and tomato puree to the mixture. Cook until the vegetables are fully incorporated.
- Pour in 2 quarts of the chicken broth, then add minced garlic, mushrooms, and the boned chicken pieces.
- Simmer the mixture for 45 minutes to develop flavors.
- Add the sweet peas and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice or pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Chicken Sauce Piquant, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You can substitute the sweet peas with green beans or corn if desired. For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer or add a bit more roux. Ensure to use a high-quality chicken broth for a richer taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Sauce Piquant over a bed of rice or pasta for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Hawaiian Rice, which adds a sweet contrast to the savory sauce. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Sauce Piquant contains roughly 1430 calories, with 45g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (90% of the Daily Value), iron (68% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2297mg per serving (100% 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 a different type of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts instead of a whole hen or fryer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring the chicken is cooked through before shredding.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chicken Sauce Piquant can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well and allow it to simmer for a few minutes to ensure the flavors blend.
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).