Salsa Chicken

"When I was doing Weight Watchers and the boys were home, I got really tired of fixing 3 sets of meals each night. When I came upon this recipe - I just didn't tell them this was WW and to this day they still don't know. When the boys come home now - this is one dish they will request. Super fast & easy to fix on work nights. 4 oz. = 4 WW points (without rice) *Note - in response to some reviews that experience the sauce being too runny or thin...extend the reduction time (after removing lid). It may take another 5-10 minutes to thicken and have the consistency you desire. **Use any diet cola you like. Back when this recipe was given to me (early 1970s) Diet Coca Cola was the only Diet soda around and the scares were not out like today (2018)To this day I call any Diet Soda - Coke."
 
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photo by DianaEatingRichly photo by DianaEatingRichly
photo by DianaEatingRichly
photo by DianaEatingRichly photo by DianaEatingRichly
photo by DianaEatingRichly photo by DianaEatingRichly
photo by Delana T. photo by Delana T.
photo by Lori Mama photo by Lori Mama
Ready In:
25mins
Ingredients:
4
Serves:
4
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ingredients

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directions

  • In 12 inch skillet, cook chicken over medium high heat in UNSEASONED pan (do NOT spray with PAM or add any oil or butter).
  • Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Chicken will stick a bit to skillet when turning but that is ok.
  • Cook till just brown- you want a bit of color.
  • Add the entire jar of Salsa and the can of Diet Coke.
  • Reduce heat to medium low- and simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes, covered.
  • Remove lid, turn chicken and continue to simmer until sauce has thickened to desired consistency.
  • When ready to serve, squeeze juice from 1 fresh lime over the chicken.
  • I serve this over yellow rice (I just add turmeric to my rice when cooking- adds nice bright yellow color!).
  • Do not use regular Coke as this will turn out too sweet.
  • I promise--you cannot taste the Diet Coke.

Questions & Replies

  1. has anyone made this recipe with honey instead of coke?
     
  2. Can salsa chicken be pre cooked for re heating later
     
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Reviews

  1. I can only give 4 stars because I had to alter the recipe. I refuse to consume artificial sweeteners, so I used 6 oz. of regular Coke. (I imagine I could have used just a bit of sugar with water.) Please be aware that aspartame should not be heated. Excellent flavor! I will try this again using a different type of salsa. This is a great dinner idea--delicious, quick, and easy! Thanks for sharing!
     
  2. I give only three stars because although it was delicious (with diet coke with Splenda), any diet product using Aspartame should NEVER be used for cooking at high temps...ever. It has very serious consequences on health when cooked! That's why it's only used in cold instant pudding gsd, etc. It even has potential issues just being ingested and hitting human body temperature in digestion. Use regular or try Splenda, which, so far is cookable.
     
  3. EXELLENT!!! Had some friends over and served this over yellow rice as suggested, and it was a hit. I love how easy this is. I did brine my chicken for 2 hours first. I have found that it results in moister and more tender meat. :-) Koechin/Chef
     
  4. Wow, just made this and it was awesome. Didn't have a lot in the pantry and I usually do a chicken and sausage with a jar of salsa in the pressure cooker but no sausage today. I used drums since that's what I had, 24 ounces of medium salsa and diet Pepsi. You can taste the sweetness of the soda and that makes this dish different. I loved it. I"m glad I used 24 ounces of salsa since I like it a little more liquid over my rice.
     
  5. This an awesome way to make the lowly chicken breast. Not sweet, no fat and lots of flavour. I only made half the recipe, as there is only the 2 of us. I think next time I won't reduce the sauce so much, so we have a bit more for the rice. The lime is a nice little flavour addition. :)
     
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Tweaks

  1. This is just like the cola chicken recipe, except use Salsa instead of catsup. I really liked the WW Cola Chicken.....and tried it with 'ribs'and 'meatballs'....both were tasty. Served meatballs over rice. Can't wait to try the Salsa Chicken.
     

RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

Missouri born and bred. Raised in a family of awesome cooks and bakers! I love to cook, bake breads, pies. Nothing makes me happier than to hear someone moan or sigh with delight while eating something I've made.
 
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