Fiesta Chicken
Fiesta Chicken offers a vibrant combination of tomato, orange, and pimiento flavors, enhanced by warm spices and tender chicken. Perfect for those seeking a colorful, flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with rice, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons raisins ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped pimiento ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- several dashes hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 12 oz. boned skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup snipped parsley ⓘ
- 3 cups hot cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, combine tomato sauce, orange juice, chopped onions, raisins, chopped pimiento, crushed oregano, chili powder, minced garlic, and hot pepper sauce.
- Bring to boiling; reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in chicken pieces; return to boiling.
- Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes or until chicken is tender and no longer pink.
- Meanwhile, combine cornstarch and water; stir into the skillet.
- Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly.
- Cook and stir for an additional 2 minutes.
- Toss chopped parsley with hot cooked rice.
- Serve the chicken mixture over the rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the orange juice and spices for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries for a tangy twist, and if you prefer heat, add more hot pepper sauce or sliced jalapeños. This dish can also be made with turkey or tofu for a variation. Serve with a side of chips for a crunchy texture, reminiscent of Doritos Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Fiesta Chicken over the snipped parsley-tossed rice for a vibrant presentation. For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh green salad or some grilled vegetables. It also goes well with warm tortillas or crusty bread. This dish can be a fantastic centerpiece for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, similar to Mexican recipes that celebrate bold flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fiesta Chicken contains roughly 278 calories, with 12g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (136% of the Daily Value), iron (107% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 23g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just ensure it is fully thawed before cooking. This will help it cook evenly and ensure it absorbs the flavors from the sauce better. If using frozen chicken pieces, you may need to increase cooking time slightly.
What can I serve with Fiesta Chicken?
Fiesta Chicken pairs well with various sides, including refried beans, corn salad, or a simple avocado salsa. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a spicy black bean soup or a cool cucumber salad to balance the heat of the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spiciness of Fiesta Chicken, add more hot pepper sauce or include diced jalapeños in the sauce. You could also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or use a spicier chili powder. Adjusting the spice level allows you to customize it to your taste.
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).