Red Ball Chicken
Red Ball Chicken offers a savory blend of tender chicken wrapped in bacon, layered with beef jerky, and baked in creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for hearty family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Cover the bottom of a baking dish with beef jerky.
- Wrap each chicken breast with a slice of bacon.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on top of the beef jerky in the dish.
- Mix sour cream and cream of mushroom soup together.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is well covered.
- Bake for 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
- Serve hot, preferably with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding spices like paprika to the sour cream and soup mixture. If Pemmican beef jerky is unavailable, any flavorful beef jerky will work. You can also experiment with adding vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms or bell peppers, to the baking dish for added nutrition and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Red Ball Chicken hot, ideally over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. This dish also pairs beautifully with American recipes like Quick Chicken Quiche for a delightful combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. This helps retain moisture and prevents the chicken from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Ball Chicken contains roughly 233 calories, with 16g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 486mg per serving (21% 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 a different type of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey breasts or even pork tenderloin. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different meats may require adjustments to ensure they are cooked through.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a little extra time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I use low-fat sour cream or soup?
Yes, using low-fat sour cream and cream of mushroom soup can reduce calories, but it may alter the creaminess and flavor slightly. For best results, consider using a blend of regular and low-fat options to maintain taste while cutting calories.
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).