Mom'S Best Chicken

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Cuisine: Mexican

A comforting baked chicken dish featuring juicy seasoned chicken topped with flavorful chopped vegetables and a rich, creamy gravy, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 4 lb chicken
  • 1/4 to 1/2 onion
  • 1 to 2 chilaca or bell peppers
  • 1 tomato
  • seasoning salt

Instructions

  1. Season chicken pieces with seasoning salt and place in casserole.
  2. Add chopped onion, bell or chilaca peppers, and tomato to the casserole.
  3. Cover and bake at 250°F for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or cook in an electric skillet or stovetop for about 1 hour.
  4. Remove the chicken from the casserole.
  5. Blend the cooked vegetables and liquids in a blender, then add 1/2 cup or more of cream and 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
  6. Heat the mixture thoroughly to make the gravy.

Tips & Substitutions

For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in seasoning salt overnight. You can substitute chilaca peppers with jalapeños for extra heat or use green bell peppers for a milder taste. If you're short on time, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and skip the baking step. Pair this dish with rice or tortillas for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mom's Best Chicken with a side of Mexican Fiesta Medley for a colorful and nutritious addition. It pairs beautifully with rice, beans, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with warm tortillas to soak up the delicious gravy, making it a hearty meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and gravy in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes, making sure to stir halfway for even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mom'S Best Chicken contains roughly 185 calories, with 6g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (149% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 995mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).

185 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.4g 13% DV
Total Fat 4.3g 6% DV
Carbs 30.1g 11% DV
Fiber 4.3g 15% DV
Sugar 16.5g 33% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 995.1mg 43% DV
Potassium 973.5mg 21% DV
Cholesterol 7.7mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 363.9mcg 40% DV
Vitamin C 134mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 60mg 5% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 completely before seasoning and baking. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption. If using frozen chicken, increase the baking time slightly to ensure it's cooked through.

What can I do if I don't have cream?

If you don't have cream, you can substitute it with sour cream or a mixture of milk and butter for a similar richness. Alternatively, use a dairy-free cream if you're looking for a lighter option or have dietary restrictions.

How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?

To adjust the spice level, you can use milder peppers or reduce the amount of seasoning salt. If you enjoy heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the vegetable mixture for an extra kick. Always taste as you go to achieve your desired level of spiciness.

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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