Skillet Festive Chicken
A hearty skillet dish with crispy chicken pieces simmered in a flavorful tomato and chili sauce, perfect for family dinners and those who enjoy bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 to 3 lb. frying chicken pieces ⓘ
- 1 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 (15 oz.) can cut tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies ⓘ
- 1 (4 1/2 oz.) can sliced black olives ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/8 cup chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken pieces well.
- In a bag, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic salt, and chili powder.
- Shake the chicken pieces, a few at a time, in the flour mixture to coat.
- In a large skillet, heat the oil and brown the coated chicken pieces.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the canned tomatoes, diced green chilies, sliced black olives, diced green bell pepper, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier chicken, let the coated pieces rest for 10 minutes before frying. You can substitute the vegetable oil with olive oil for added flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a bit more chili powder or some diced jalapeños to the tomato mixture. Consider using Peg'S Chicken for a delightful twist on flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is fantastic served over fluffy cooked rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully. Consider pairing it with a side of steamed vegetables or a refreshing Chef Salad In A Roll for a balanced meal. For added texture, serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Skillet Festive Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out, and warm until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it covered until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Festive Chicken contains roughly 573 calories, with 8g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 589mg per serving (26% 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time as it may cook faster than bone-in pieces. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. You might also want to reduce the simmering time to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for green bell pepper?
If you don't have green bell pepper, you can use any color of bell pepper or even substitute with diced zucchini or mushrooms for a different flavor profile. Each option will add its unique taste while still complementing the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Skillet Festive Chicken is great for meal prep. You can make a large batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just be sure to store it properly to maintain freshness.
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).