Lucky Chicken
Lucky Chicken offers a flavorful combination of tender chicken, sweet and tangy ketchup sauce, and colorful peppers, perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop chicken into bite-sized chunks.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan.
- Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Dip the chicken pieces in melted butter, then coat with the flour mixture.
- Brown the coated chicken in the hot oil.
- Mix ketchup, brown sugar, chopped celery, onion, green pepper, and red pepper to create the sauce.
- Add the sauce mixture to the browned chicken and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve the Lucky Chicken over cooked rice and garnish with slices of green and red peppers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispy texture, ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. You can substitute the chicken breast with thighs for a juicier bite. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can work well; just skip the browning step. Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick or switch the bell peppers for seasonal vegetables. Consider serving with a side of Easy Stack Cake for a delightful finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lucky Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, which will soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with extra slices of green and red peppers for color. Consider pairing it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish also goes well with My Best Jello Salad for a refreshing side that complements the savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to avoid drying out. For freezing, place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lucky Chicken contains roughly 538 calories, with 7g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (202% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1092mg per serving (47% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it's best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you use frozen chicken, ensure it is completely thawed in the refrigerator overnight before chopping and coating it with the flour mixture.
What can I substitute for ketchup in this recipe?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to ketchup, you can use tomato sauce mixed with a bit of vinegar and sugar to mimic the flavor. Alternatively, BBQ sauce can add a nice twist if you're looking for a different taste profile.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if simmering. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the dish's 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).