Microwave Spanish Chicken
A flavorful microwave chicken dish featuring olives, mushrooms, and a savory wine sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or satisfying family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 13 x 9-inch baking dish, layer olives, mushrooms, and chicken breasts.
- Set aside.
- Place bacon in a 2-cup measure and microwave on High for 1 1/2 to 3 minutes until crisp.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Blend flour into bacon drippings in the measure.
- Stir in red wine and salt.
- Microwave at High for 1 to 3 minutes until thickened.
- Add the cooked bacon to the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Cover with wax paper and microwave at High for 8 to 11 minutes until chicken is no longer pink, rearranging once.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the pimiento stuffed olives with green olives or even capers for a different taste. If you prefer, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Microwave Spanish Chicken over a bed of Spiced Rice With Almonds for a hearty meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad pairs nicely to balance the richness of the dish. For an added touch, garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Spanish Chicken contains roughly 225 calories, with 18g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value). At about 225 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 bone-in chicken for this recipe?
While bone-in chicken can be used, cooking times will increase significantly. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For best results, stick to boneless chicken for even cooking in the microwave.
What if I don't have red wine?
You can substitute red wine with chicken broth or a mixture of grape juice and vinegar for a similar flavor profile. This will maintain moisture and enhance the dish without the alcohol content, making it suitable for all diners.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, combine them in a microwave-safe dish and heat until the chicken is fully cooked. This allows for convenient meal prep without sacrificing flavor.
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).