Spanish Chicken

If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful dinner, Spanish Chicken is the answer. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a savory tomato-based sauce packed with veggies like celery, green pepper, and onion. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a busy day.

The best part? Spanish Chicken comes together with minimal effort and ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Just chop, mix, and bake—perfect for those evenings when you need something hearty and homemade without the fuss.

And let’s not forget the incredible aroma while it bakes. The combination of garlic, onion, and tomato with a sprinkle of thyme fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering scent. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these pantry staples and fresh veggies on hand.
• Minimal Prep: This dish comes together quickly with just a bit of chopping and mixing.
• One Dish Wonder: Everything cooks in one casserole dish, making cleanup a breeze.
• Family-Friendly: The flavors are mild yet delicious, perfect for even picky eaters.
• Versatile: Serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Comforting and Flavorful: The savory tomato-based sauce and tender chicken create a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully so that you can enjoy it the next day, too!

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Chicken Breasts: The heart of the dish—tender, juicy, and so satisfying.
• Celery: Adds a little crunch and a fresh flavor that balances the sauce’s richness.
• Green Pepper: Brings a pop of color and a mild sweetness to the mix.
• Onion: The secret to adding depth and a natural sweetness to the sauce.
• Garlic: Because what’s a good sauce without a little garlicky goodness?
• Tomato Soup: The perfect base for a rich, tangy sauce that pulls everything together.
• Water: Just enough to thin out the soup so it coats the chicken beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple but key for bringing out all the flavors in the dish.
• Fresh Thyme: A fancy little garnish that adds a touch of elegance and flavor.

How to Make Spanish Chicken

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Follow along to learn how to make Spanish chicken!

• Step One: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place the chicken in a casserole dish.
• Step Two: In a large bowl, stir celery, garlic, green pepper, onions, tomato soup, water, salt and pepper. Pour over the chicken.
• Step Three: Bake for 50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked.
• Step Four: Sprinkle on fresh thyme, if desired.

What to Serve With It

• Rice: A classic choice! White rice, brown rice, or even a flavorful Spanish rice works beautifully to soak up that delicious tomato sauce.
• Pasta: Serve it over spaghetti, penne, or egg noodles for a hearty and comforting dinner.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up every last bit of the sauce—because you won’t want to waste it!
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, they make an excellent base for the chicken and sauce.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette keeps the meal fresh and balanced.
• Cauliflower Rice: If you’re looking for a low-carb option, this is a great substitute for traditional rice.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the Protein: Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor, or substitute with turkey or pork chops if you have them on hand.
• Boost the Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or diced carrots for extra texture and nutrition.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce for a bit of heat.
• Use Fresh Tomatoes: If you prefer, swap out the canned tomato soup for fresh diced tomatoes or a can of crushed tomatoes. Add a splash of cream if you want to keep the sauce creamy.
• Try Different Seasonings: Experiment with smoked paprika, cumin, or oregano to give the dish a deeper Spanish-inspired flavor.
• Herb Swap: If you don’t have thyme, fresh parsley, basil, or rosemary work just as well as a garnish.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free version.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Want to save it for later? Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For the best results, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F until warmed. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring the sauce occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the casserole dish so each piece gets fully coated in the sauce.
• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper—season the chicken and the sauce for the best flavor.
• Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, skip the water or reduce the liquid slightly by baking uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
• Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and mix the sauce ingredients ahead of time to save time on busy evenings.

Chicken Recipes

• Lemon Chicken Piccata
• Hawaiian Chicken
• Panda Express Mushroom Chicken
• Sticky Chicken
• Honey Curried Chicken
• Sweet and Sour Chicken
• Salsa Chicken
• Honey Dijon Chicken

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