Saucy Chicken
Saucy Chicken offers tender chicken breasts coated in a savory onion soup and Italian dressing sauce, cooked quickly in the microwave for a convenient and flavorful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it pairs well with rice, noodles, or stuffing, delivering a comforting and easy dinner option for the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a glass 9 x 13-inch pan, combine the dry onion soup mix, Italian dressing, and water or white wine.
- Mix well to combine.
- Place chicken pieces in the sauce, turning to coat each piece evenly.
- Cover the pan with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Microwave on 70% power for approximately 9 1/2 minutes per pound of chicken.
- Rearrange the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- Let the chicken stand covered for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight before cooking. You can substitute the Italian dressing with a homemade vinaigrette or use low-sodium chicken broth instead of water or wine for a lighter option. Ensure even cooking by checking the chicken's internal temperature; it should reach 165°F for safety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the saucy chicken over a bed of rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Good Friday Rice for a comforting touch. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the dish well. For a hearty option, consider serving it with mashed potatoes or pasta.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saucy Chicken contains roughly 333 calories, with 15g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1838mg per serving (80% 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 other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts, but adjust the cooking time as darker meat typically requires longer cooking to reach the desired tenderness. Ensure that all pieces are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Is it possible to cook this recipe in the oven instead of the microwave?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the covered dish for about 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a great alternative to the microwave.
Can I freeze the prepared dish for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the saucy chicken before or after cooking. If freezing before, marinate the chicken in the sauce, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking or reheating, ensuring to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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).