Ketchup Chicken: A Surprising Delight
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Chicken Thigh & Leg
Servings: 4
Description
There once was a time when I scoffed at the idea of slathering prime cuts of beef with ketchup, but after reading an intriguing article that celebrated the use of humble ingredients to create remarkable sauces, my perspective transformed dramatically. This Ketchup Chicken recipe, which I adapted using Heinz low-carb ketchup to suit my dietary preferences, not only showcases the versatility of ketchup but also brings a delightful flavor to the table that even the most discerning palates can appreciate. It’s a testament to the notion that great flavors can emerge from the simplest of ingredients, and now, I proudly embrace this delicious dish!
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | Flour |
| 1/2 cup | Ketchup |
| 4 | Chicken thighs (or legs), chopped into 1-inch pieces |
| 2 | Tablespoons of oil |
| 1/4 teaspoon | Cayenne pepper |
| 1 | Clove of garlic, minced |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 361.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 47.7 mg |
| Sodium | 712.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 28.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugars | 13.8 g |
| Protein | 12.7 g |
Instructions
-
Preparation of Chicken: Begin by chopping the chicken thighs into small, bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch in size, to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
-
Dusting with Flour: Take the chopped chicken and lightly dust each piece with flour. This will create a lovely crust when cooked and help thicken the sauce later on.
-
Heating the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be very hot before adding the chicken, as this will help achieve a nice golden-brown color.
-
Cooking the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded; you may need to do this in batches. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor during the cooking process.
-
Sautéing the Aromatics: Once the chicken is browned and cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. When this oil is hot, toss in the minced garlic and cayenne pepper. Sauté the mixture for about two minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning and to infuse the oil with these vibrant flavors.
-
Making the Sauce: After sautéing the garlic and cayenne, add the ketchup to the skillet. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about five minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich, sticky sauce that will coat the chicken perfectly.
-
Combining Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir well to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the luscious ketchup sauce.
-
Serving Suggestions: For a satisfying meal, serve this Ketchup Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice, allowing the rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Enjoy this unexpectedly delightful dish, which is sure to impress even the biggest ketchup skeptics, transforming humble ingredients into a cherished family favorite!
Embrace this recipe, perfect for busy weeknights, where the simplicity of preparation meets the satisfaction of hearty, comforting flavors, proving once and for all that ketchup can indeed take center stage in culinary creations.
