Little Red Chicken
A flavorful baked chicken dish with a tangy tomato and mushroom sauce, sweetened with brown sugar, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the cut-up chicken on an open baking dish.
- Combine green pepper, onion, brown sugar, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, vinegar, mushrooms, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl and mix well.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Serve the chicken hot over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the cut-up chicken in the sauce mixture for a few hours before baking. If you don't have mushrooms, you can substitute with sliced bell peppers or zucchini. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the sauce mixture. This dish also pairs wonderfully with a side of Strawberry Romaine Salad for a fresh contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken hot over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a refreshing Mardi Gras Rice Salad can complement the meal nicely. For a hearty touch, consider adding a crusty bread to help scoop up the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the chicken with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Little Red Chicken contains roughly 286 calories, with 3g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1412mg per serving (61% 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 as it will likely cook faster. Check for doneness at about 1 hour to avoid drying it out.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
You can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes as a substitute for tomato sauce. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the crushed tomatoes before adding them to the sauce mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish holds up well in the fridge and can be easily reheated. It's great for meal prep and can be portioned out with rice and veggies for convenient lunches throughout the week.
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).