Chicken Spaghetti Sauce
Juicy chicken simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with onions, celery, and seasonings, perfect for hearty family dinners or comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb. chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 4 ribs celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. bacon drippings ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- dash of hot sauce
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook chicken in water to cover and save broth.
- Bone chicken and cut into small pieces.
- In a large, heavy saucepan, sauté onions, garlic, and celery in hot drippings.
- Add parsley as the mixture cooks.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato soup, tomato paste, and seasonings to the saucepan and simmer.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water to cook the chicken. If you prefer a healthier version, substitute the bacon drippings with olive oil. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Adjust the heat by varying the amount of hot sauce, or try adding diced bell peppers for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken spaghetti sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or as a topping for baked potatoes. For a twist, try it alongside a slice of cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 684 calories, with 54g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (146% of the Daily Value), protein (109% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1572mg per serving (68% 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 types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or even a combination of ground meats like beef and pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a vegetarian option, consider using hearty vegetables or canned beans as a protein source.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To increase the spice level, add more hot sauce to taste or include crushed red pepper flakes. You could also incorporate diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Start with small amounts and adjust gradually for the desired heat.
Can I freeze the chicken spaghetti sauce?
Absolutely! Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or microwave until hot.
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).