Texas Two-Step Chicken Picante
A flavorful and easy chicken dish featuring tangy picante sauce, sweet brown sugar, and Dijon mustard, perfect for a quick family dinner with savory rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix picante sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
- Place chicken breasts in a 2-quart shallow baking dish.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve the chicken over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter sauce, consider increasing the brown sugar slightly or substituting with honey. If you're short on picante sauce, a blend of salsa and a bit of hot sauce can work well. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce for maximum flavor. Using skinless, boneless thighs instead of breasts can add extra moisture and richness to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken picante over the hot cooked rice for a complete meal, and consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for added freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. For a heartier option, try serving with Texas Potato Topper for a delightful twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. Alternatively, reheat in a covered skillet over low heat until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Two-Step Chicken Picante contains roughly 446 calories, with 15g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (106% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1341mg per serving (58% 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking and might not allow the sauce to flavor the chicken properly. Ideally, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
What can I substitute for picante sauce?
If you don't have picante sauce, a combination of salsa and a bit of hot sauce can be a great alternative. You can also make your own by blending diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, and spices. Adjust the heat to your preference, especially if you're looking for a milder flavor.
How can I make this dish more spicy?
To increase the spice level, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture. You could also use a hotter variety of picante sauce or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce before baking. Adjusting the spice is a great way to personalize this dish.
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).