Chicken With Spanish Sauce
Juicy chicken pieces simmered in a vibrant Spanish-style tomato sauce with peppers, garlic, and herbs, perfect for a hearty family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 to 3 lb. fryer chicken, cut into serving pieces, skinned and all visible fat removed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. minced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 28 oz. can no-salt-added tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 c. white wine ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Rinse chicken pieces and pat dry.
- Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and brown them quickly on all sides.
- Remove chicken from skillet and place in a casserole dish.
- Add minced onion, chopped green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in no-salt-added tomatoes, white wine, thyme, and bay leaves. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the casserole dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal browning, ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. If you prefer a lighter option, you can swap the fryer chicken for skinless chicken breasts. You can also substitute the white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or using fresh herbs like parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken with the Spanish sauce over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad pairs well, offering a nice contrast to the rich dish. For a complete meal, consider serving with a light dessert like Cake With Fruit Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in a microwave on medium power. To keep the chicken moist, cover it with foil while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Spanish Sauce contains roughly 116 calories, with 8g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1203mg per serving (52% 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, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Boneless pieces will cook faster, so check for doneness after 20-25 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What can I substitute for the white wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, chicken broth is an excellent substitute that adds moisture without the alcohol. You can also use apple cider vinegar mixed with water or a splash of lemon juice for a bit of acidity.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to three months. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving to maintain flavor and texture.
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).