Mae Shea'S Red Chicken

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

Mae Shea's Red Chicken features tender chicken simmered in a rich, tangy catsup-based gravy, offering a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into serving size pieces with skin removed
  • 1 (32 oz.) bottle catsup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Wash and cut the chicken into serving size pieces.
  2. Cover the chicken with water and bring to a boil.
  3. Add catsup, minced garlic, and chopped onions to the boiling water.
  4. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the chicken is very tender and the gravy is thick.
  5. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Serve over cooked rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the catsup mixture for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the whole chicken with chicken thighs or drumsticks if preferred or use low-sodium catsup to reduce the salt content. Adding a pinch of cayenne or paprika can provide an extra kick, enhancing the dish's overall taste. This recipe is a great way to explore American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is best served over a bed of fluffy rice, noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful gravy. Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also complements well with garlic bread or rolls, making it a hearty family dinner option.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken and gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave the portions in a covered dish, checking every minute until heated evenly.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mae Shea'S Red Chicken contains roughly 838 calories, with 22g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1621mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).

838 kcal 42% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 21.9g 44% DV
Total Fat 38.2g 49% DV
Carbs 102.4g 37% DV
Fiber 5.8g 21% DV
Sugar 13.9g 28% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1620.9mg 70% DV
Potassium 359.7mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 7.7mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 36.3mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 1.5mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 2% DV
Calcium 67.1mg 5% DV
Iron 7.1mg 39% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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 chicken with the skin on for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken with the skin on, but keep in mind that it may result in a slightly greasier gravy. If you prefer a lighter dish, removing the skin is recommended, as it allows the flavors to meld more effectively.

What can I do if the gravy is too thin?

If your gravy turns out too thin, you can thicken it by making a slurry with cornstarch and water. Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired thickness. Allow it to cook for a few additional minutes.

Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and results in tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken.

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).

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