Tucson Chicken
Tucson Chicken is a flavorful, hearty dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a savory tomato and vegetable sauce with aromatic herbs. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it combines earthy mushrooms, vibrant peppers, and a rich tomato base, served over noodles or rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onions and green peppers in vegetable oil until tender.
- Add halved mushrooms, chopped garlic, and tomato paste; cook for a few minutes.
- Coat chicken breasts with seasoning salt and herb mixture.
- Brown chicken breasts lightly in oil in a separate pan or with the vegetables.
- Add the vegetable mixture and chicken broth to the pan with the chicken.
- Cover and cook for 30 minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes to the pan.
- Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve the Tucson Chicken over noodles or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For best flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the seasoning salt and herb mixture for a few hours or overnight. If you don't have fresh basil, dried basil can be used as a substitute, but reduce the amount to about 1 tsp. Adding a splash of white wine to the pan while cooking can enhance the dish's depth. This recipe can easily be adapted for other protein options like turkey or tofu.
Serving Suggestions
Tucson Chicken is delicious served over noodles or rice, which soak up the flavorful sauce. Consider pairing it with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, serve it alongside warm Flour Tortilla Dumplings for dipping. This dish also makes an excellent filling for burritos or tacos.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Tucson Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. If the sauce has thickened, adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help restore its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tucson Chicken contains roughly 355 calories, with 6g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts for a richer flavor and a juicier texture. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook thoroughly. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water can be used as substitutes. For a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the liquid before adding it to the pan.
Can I freeze Tucson Chicken?
Absolutely! Tucson Chicken freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
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).