Aunt Trudy's Chicken in a Skillet

I have made the following recipe for many years. Whenever Aunt Helen and Uncle Marty and Aunt Lora and Uncle Harold come for dinner - this is a favorite dish of theirs.

2 1/2 to 3 lb. chicken, cut into serving pieces
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can whole tomatoes, drained & chopped - reserve liquid
1/3 cup water
2 Cans Mushrooms Pieces (or fresh) optional.

Wash chicken parts carefully, at same time taking the skin off the chicken. Pat chicken dry. In a large skillet, place chicken, whole tomatoes, and mushrooms, (if used). Mix tomatoes and onion soup mix blending with water and reserved tomato liquid in a large measuring cup or bowl. Pour the mixture over the chicken. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, 1 hour or until chicken is tender. Makes about 4 servings.