Easy Spanish Chicken Recipe With Chicken Tonight Sauce

by Jhon Lennon 55 views

Hey guys! Are you looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of Spanish chicken with a little help from the iconic Chicken Tonight sauce. This recipe is a fantastic way to bring some zest and excitement to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. So, grab your aprons, and let's get cooking!

What Makes This Spanish Chicken So Special?

This Spanish chicken recipe is more than just throwing some ingredients together. It’s about creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and the rich, savory Chicken Tonight sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and incredibly rewarding. Trust me, your family will be begging for more! Using Chicken Tonight sauce adds a unique twist. It provides a creamy tomato-based sauce that complements the other ingredients perfectly, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Feel free to experiment with different variations of Chicken Tonight sauce to find your favorite combination. This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs and preferences. For a healthier version, use skinless chicken breasts and load up on the veggies. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of sherry to enhance the Spanish flavors. The possibilities are endless! And let’s not forget the convenience factor. This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can even prep the ingredients ahead of time to save even more time. Simply chop the vegetables, measure out the spices, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. When dinnertime rolls around, just toss everything in a pan and let it simmer to perfection. It’s that easy!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we get started, let's gather all the ingredients you'll need for this Spanish chicken masterpiece. Here’s a handy list:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 jar (450g) Chicken Tonight Spanish Chicken Sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp smoked paprika for extra flavor

Make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, so don’t worry if you don’t have every single ingredient on hand. Feel free to substitute or omit ingredients based on what you have available. For example, if you don’t have red bell pepper, you can use green bell pepper instead. If you’re not a fan of peas, you can replace them with corn or green beans. The key is to have fun and experiment with different flavors and textures. This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables in your fridge. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch to the dish. Remember, cooking should be fun and relaxing, not stressful. So, turn on some music, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy the process!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Alright, let's get down to business! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Spanish chicken:

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). This will add a layer of flavor that will enhance the final dish. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a more delicious result.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Next, add the chopped bell peppers and cook until they are slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes. The vegetables should be soft but still have a little bit of crunch. This will add texture to the dish.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. This will help to seal in the juices and create a more flavorful dish. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in the diced tomatoes and Chicken Tonight Spanish Chicken Sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should be rich and creamy, coating the chicken and vegetables evenly.
  5. Add the Finishing Touches: Stir in the frozen peas and chopped parsley. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the peas are heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Spanish chicken hot over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious and easy weeknight dinner! This dish is also great served with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Tips and Variations

Want to take your Spanish chicken game to the next level? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Add Some Wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after sautĂ©ing the vegetables for added depth of flavor.
  • Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • Serve with Rice: Cook up a batch of fluffy rice to serve with your Spanish chicken.
  • Creamy Delight: For an even creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Spanish chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:

  • Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or Spanish rice are all excellent choices.
  • Quinoa: A healthy and nutritious alternative to rice.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the savory chicken.
  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
  • Salad: A simple green salad adds a refreshing element to the meal.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! A simple, flavorful, and delicious Spanish chicken recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. With the help of Chicken Tonight sauce, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour. Give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!