Delicious Chicken in Sauce Recipe for Dinner Tonight
Are you looking for a dish that’s both comforting and elegant? Something that will make your dinner guests feel right at home while still impressing them with your culinary skills? Look no further than my Heavenly Chicken in Sauce Recipe.
I created this recipe specifically for those who love the taste of chicken but are tired of the same old bland recipes. I’ve incorporated a carefully crafted blend of spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and turmeric to create a flavor profile that is truly unique.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also versatile. Whether you’re in the mood for slow-cooked comfort food or grilled chicken for a summer barbecue, this recipe can be adjusted to fit any occasion.
So why not try something new tonight? Whip up my Heavenly Chicken in Sauce and discover how deliciously satisfying can be when cooking at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me introduce you to the star of your next dinner party: Heavenly Chicken in Sauce. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts delicately seasoned with clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom, cumin, and a touch of fresh ground pepper. Picture these flavors simmering together in a creamy and savory sauce made from unsweetened coconut milk, garlic, onion, and butter. It’s an explosion of flavors in your mouth that will leave your guests begging for the recipe.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This chicken recipe is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Pair it with rice for a classic meal or chicken angel hair pasta for a more sophisticated touch. You can even dip it in Parmesan cheese or honey garlic for an extra kick of flavor.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also easy to make whether you’re in a hurry or have time to experiment with different ingredient combinations. Mix up the chili seasoning mix and add some soy sauce for a completely different take on the dish. The possibilities are endless!
Plus, this heavenly chicken recipe is perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or preparing a gourmet feast for your guests, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
So what are you waiting for? Try this recipe today and experience the deliciousness for yourself. With its unforgettable taste and versatility, you’ll be coming back to it time and time again.
Ingredient List
Take notes of the key ingredients and quantities you will need before starting.
Chicken and heavenly chicken sauce:
- Chicken breasts – 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into 1-inch thick pieces.
- Kosher salt – 2 tsp.
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp.
- Garlic powder – 1/2 tsp.
- Nutmeg – 1/2 tsp.
- Cinnamon – 1/2 tsp.
- Turmeric – 1 tsp.
- Cardamom – 1/4 tsp.
- Cumin – 1/4 tsp.
- Fresh ground pepper – 1/4 tsp.
Heavenly chicken sauce:
- Unsweetened coconut milk – 1 cup
- Sour cream – 1 cup
- Minced garlic – 4 cloves
- Onion powder – 1 teaspoon
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Onion diced – 1 onion
- Chili seasoning mix – 4 1/2 teaspoons (store-bought or homemade)
- Pinch kosher salt – 2 pinch ground kosher salt
- Pepper to taste
Rice:
- Water – double the amount of rice (e.g. use two cups of water for one cup of rice)
- Kosher salt
For Baked Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about four pieces)
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
For Chicken Parmesan:
Note: this recipe uses Jennie’s Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken. If you’re using different cooked chicken, skip down to “Assemble” instructions.
To Make Jennie’s Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken:
You’ll need:
* Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about four pieces)
* Salt and pepper
* Italian dressing mix packet
* Golden mushroom soup can
Assemble all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on high heat for four hours, shred.
When ready to use, melt one tablespoon butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the shredded chicken and cook until golden brown.
To Assemble Chicken Parmesan Casserole:
You’ll need:
* One cup grated parmesan cheese
* One jar red sauce
* Four cups cooked angel hair pasta
* Two cups Jennie’s Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken (above) or any precooked shredded chicken
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Olive oil
Follow these steps:
Preheat your oven to broil on high heat.Butter a large baking dish or skillet with olive oil.Stir together cooked angel hair pasta, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil in a large mixing bowl.Layer half of the pasta mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.Top with half of the Jennie’s Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken. Pour half of the red sauce evenly over top.Sprinkle the entire surface with one cup parmesan cheese.Repeat all layers once more.Cover your baking dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about ten minutes.Remove foil and broil for an additional three minutes until cheese is golden brown and bubbly.Serve hot.
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the exciting part, where we put everything together in creating the Heavenly Chicken in Sauce Recipe. Follow these simple and easy steps to create this mouth-watering dish that will surely leave your guests raving about it even after the party is over.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 onion
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 8 heavenly chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin
- salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- water
Directions:
- Start by seasoning your chicken with some salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat and add olive oil to the pan.
- Saute onion and garlic until fragrant before adding the chicken. Cook on high heat for about three minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Add in cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, cardamom, cumin, salt and pepper to the pan.
- Pour coconut milk into the skillet then add enough water to cover half of the chicken breasts.
- Stir well and bring mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover the pan and let simmer for about thirty minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let rest for five minutes before serving.
- Serve with rice or pasta and top with some heavenly chicken sauce.
Enjoy this flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling experimental, there are many ways to mix up this Heavenly Chicken in Sauce recipe. Here are some substitution and variation ideas to help you get started:
– Rice: You can replace the rice with any grain you prefer, such as quinoa, bulgur wheat, or couscous.
– Coconut milk: If you can’t get your hands on unsweetened coconut milk, you can use regular coconut milk or coconut cream. Just be aware that it will add some sweetness to the dish.
– Chicken: While boneless skinless chicken breasts are recommended for this recipe, you can also use bone-in chicken breasts, chicken thighs, legs or even wings!
– Spices: The spice blend of clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom, cumin and fresh ground pepper is what brings the Heavenly Chicken dish to life! But feel free to adjust the spices according to your personal preference. Add some cayenne pepper for heat or swap out the cardamom for ginger.
– Sour Cream: If you find that sour cream tends to be too tart for your liking, Greek yogurt can be used instead as a more healthy option.
– Rice Transfer: You could swap out the rice altogether and transfer your heavenly chicken in sauce onto a bed of angel hair pasta instead?
– Heat level: If you have little ones at home, keep the spices at bay and opt for a milder chili seasoning mix to tame down the heat.
The possibilities for variations are endless! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make your own unique version of this delicious Heavenly Chicken in Sauce recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Serving and pairing heavenly chicken in sauce is an absolute breeze. This dish’s tender and juicy chicken paired with decadent and savory sauce makes it a perfect entree for both everyday meals and special occasions.
For a casual gathering, you can serve your heavenly chicken with a side of steaming hot rice garnished with chopped parsley. For an elegant dinner party, go with some fragrant angel hair pasta along with grilled vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini, lightly seasoned with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
You can also pair this flavorful chicken recipe with a refreshing and fruity white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer a richer flavor, opt for a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir, which could complement the earthy flavors in the sauce beautifully.
If you’re in the mood for something non-alcoholic, sparkling water or lemonade goes great with this dish! And don’t forget to finish off your meal with a sweet treat like fresh fruit salad or vanilla ice cream.
No matter how you serve it, this heavenly chicken in sauce recipe adds sophistication and richness to your dinner table. Your guests will be impressed by its melt-in-your-mouth texture and burst of flavors.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, let’s talk about the best ways to make-ahead, store and reheat this heavenly chicken in sauce recipe.
To make-ahead, you can prepare the chicken and sauce up to a day in advance and store them separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce together on medium heat in a skillet or on low heat in a slow cooker. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Storing any leftover heavenly chicken is easy. Once it has cooled to room temperature, store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat the leftovers, gently reheat in a skillet or slow cooker until heated through.
If you plan to freeze the heavenly chicken, do not add the sour cream as it will separate when frozen. Simply cook the chicken and sauce recipe as directed, let cool completely, place in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To defrost, place the container or bag of frozen chicken and sauce into the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as needed.
Whether you are reheating leftovers or enjoying a make-ahead meal, this heavenly chicken recipe is sure to become your go-to favorite for easy weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Tips for Perfect Results
You can make this heavenly chicken in sauce recipe with ease, and impress even the pickiest guests at your party. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure that your dish comes out perfect every time:
First, be liberal with the seasoned salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to really coat the chicken breasts before cooking. This will ensure that each piece is flavorful, juicy and tender.
When sautéing onions for the sauce, make sure to cook them until they are soft and translucent. This will add a delicate sweetness to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
When mixing spices for the sauce, use freshly ground spices whenever possible. They will give off a much richer aroma and flavor than pre-ground ones.
If you’re using fresh garlic in your recipe, make sure to mince it finely or use a garlic press to avoid any large chunks in your sauce. This will guarantee that every bite of chicken is bursting with garlicky goodness.
Heavenly chicken in sauce tastes great with rice, but if you want to change things up you can also serve it with angel hair pasta. Adding soy sauce or orange juice to the sauce will result in a tangy twist that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a healthier option, try grilling or air frying your chicken breasts instead of baking or frying them. The result is still deliciously tender and juicy without all the extra calories.
With these tips and tricks under your belt, you’ll be able to whip up heavenly chicken in sauce like a pro in no time!
Bottom Line
Now that you’ve read through this comprehensive Heavenly Chicken in Sauce recipe article, I hope it has convinced you to give this dish a try. With its combination of exotic and familiar spices, creamy and tangy sauce, and juicy chicken, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and guests.
Whether you choose to make it on the stovetop, slow cooker or air fryer, you’ll be able to serve up this delicious and flavorful chicken recipe in no time. And with the many substitutions and variations available, you can customize it to your liking and experiment with different versions for each occasion.
So don’t hesitate any longer. Pick up the ingredients from your local grocery store, turn up the heat and start cooking your own Heavenly Chicken in Sauce today! Trust me; once you take a bite of this tender and aromatic chicken coated in heavenly sauce, there’ll be no turning back.
Heavenly Chicken in Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
SAUTE
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
SPICE MIXTURE
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon chili seasoning mix
- 1 -2 pinch kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch cumin
- 1 pinch cardamom
- 1 pinch turmeric
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 pinch clove
REMAINING INGREDIENTS
- 18 ounces chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (boneless or skinless)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk, well shaken
RICE
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Start onion and garlic cooking over med-hi heat in pan large enough to hold chicken. Start rice according to your package directions.
- Meanwhile mix together spices and sprinkle them over cubed chicken.
- Add chicken to pan and cook, stirring frequently, about 8 minutes or until no longer pink.
- Add coconut milk and bring to a good simmer, then turn down to med and cook for about 5 more minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Serve over rice.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!