Sweet And Smoky Chicken
Sweet and smoky chicken combines tender cooked chicken with a rich, tangy, and smoky sauce, perfect for hearty family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the onion and place it in a casserole dish.
- Put the cooked chicken pieces on top of the onions.
- Mix ketchup, molasses, vinegar, mustard, salt, and hickory salt together.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and onions.
- Cover the casserole dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a touch of smoked paprika to the sauce. If you don't have hickory salt, regular salt works fine, though you might miss the depth of flavor. Feel free to swap out the chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. This dish is great for meal prep; just ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sweet and smoky chicken over rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad complements the dish well. For a heartier meal, pair it with the 'Chow Mein Hot Dish (Grandkids Favorite)' for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F until piping hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Smoky Chicken contains roughly 155 calories, with 4g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (18% of the Daily Value), potassium (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2264mg per serving (98% 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 types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! This sauce works well with pork or turkey. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat and ensure it reaches the appropriate internal temperature for safety.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it well to keep the flavors intact, and allow it to come to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick, you can thin it by adding a bit of water or broth, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. This will help maintain a nice coating without losing 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).