California-style Chicken

California-style Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 70 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

California-style Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the freshness of herbs and vegetables with the richness of chicken. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, as it is both delicious and easy to prepare.

History

The California-style Chicken recipe is inspired by the fresh and vibrant flavors of California cuisine. It combines traditional cooking techniques with a modern twist, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated.

Ingredients

1 chicken, cut into 8 pieces (about 3 lb (1.36 kg))
2 tsp olive oil
0.25 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, or 2 tsp dried basil
1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano leaves, or 1 tsp dried oregano
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp freshly ground pepper
40 cloves garlic, separated and peeled
4 ribs celery, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 cup chopped onion
0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
0.75 cup dry white wine
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Prepare a medium baking dish by spraying it with olive oil flavored nonstick pan spray.
Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish and brush it with oil.
Sprinkle basil, oregano, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
Spread the garlic cloves, celery, onion, and parsley over and around the chicken.
Pour the wine and lemon juice into the baking dish.
Cover the dish with foil and bake it for 40 minutes.
Uncover the dish and bake it for an additional 30 minutes.

Variations

You can add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the dish for extra flavor and color.
For a spicy kick, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken before baking it.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brush the chicken with oil before seasoning it with herbs and spices to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.

- Covering the baking dish with foil helps to lock in moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out during cooking.

- For a crispier skin, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes after baking it uncovered.

Serving Suggestions

California-style Chicken can be served with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken pieces.

- You can substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs, but use half the amount called for in the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the California-style Chicken up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the California-style Chicken on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

California-style Chicken pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 300 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 12 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

California-style Chicken is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic and celery, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

California-style Chicken is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a family dinner.

Summary

California-style Chicken is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With its fresh herbs and vegetables, this recipe captures the essence of California cuisine and is sure to be a hit with your loved ones.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for California-style Chicken. It was a warm summer day in the late 1960s, and I was visiting my good friend Carol in her sunny California home. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping iced tea and catching up on each other's lives, she suddenly jumped up and exclaimed, "I have a new recipe to try out today, and I think you're going to love it!"

Intrigued, I followed her to the counter where she had laid out all the ingredients for the dish. I watched as she expertly seasoned the chicken breasts with a blend of herbs and spices, then sautéed them in a pan until they were golden brown and juicy. The aroma that filled the kitchen was absolutely heavenly, a tantalizing mix of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs.

As I sat down to taste the finished dish, I was blown away by how delicious it was. The chicken was tender and flavorful, with a perfect balance of tangy and savory notes. I couldn't believe how simple it was to make such a gourmet meal, and I begged Carol to share the recipe with me.

She laughed and handed me a yellowed piece of paper, saying, "This recipe has been passed down in my family for generations. It's a California classic, and I know you'll cherish it as much as I do."

I carefully tucked the recipe into my purse, determined to recreate this divine dish in my own kitchen. Over the years, I honed my cooking skills and experimented with different variations of the California-style Chicken recipe. I added my own twists and tweaks, adapting it to suit my family's tastes and preferences.

One day, my granddaughter asked me to teach her how to make the dish, and as we stood side by side in the kitchen, I felt a sense of pride and joy in passing on this beloved recipe to the next generation. I showed her how to marinate the chicken in a lemon and herb-infused mixture, explaining the importance of letting the flavors meld together for the perfect balance of taste.

As we cooked together, I shared stories of my time in California with Carol, reminiscing about the warm breezes, the sun-drenched beaches, and the vibrant food scene that had inspired this recipe. I told my granddaughter about the farmers' markets brimming with colorful produce, the local chefs creating innovative dishes, and the laid-back lifestyle that infused every bite of food with a sense of joy and relaxation.

My granddaughter listened intently, absorbing every word as she chopped vegetables, stirred sauces, and grilled the chicken to perfection. I watched with pride as she tasted the finished dish, her eyes lighting up with delight at the familiar flavors that transported her to the sun-soaked shores of California.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal together, I realized that this recipe was more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions. It was a connection to the past, a link to the memories and experiences that had shaped me into the cook I was today. It was a way to share a piece of my heritage with my loved ones, to pass on a taste of California magic to the next generation.

And as we savored every bite of that delicious California-style Chicken, I knew that this recipe would continue to be a part of our family tradition, weaving its way through the generations with love, laughter, and a shared appreciation for the joys of good food and good company.