Chicken Mediterranean

Mediterranean Chicken Recipe with Eggplant, Bell Pepper, and Zucchini

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Mediterranean is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a variety of Mediterranean vegetables and spices. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

History

The origins of Chicken Mediterranean can be traced back to the Mediterranean region, where fresh vegetables and herbs are abundant. This dish is a modern twist on traditional Mediterranean cuisine, incorporating classic flavors and ingredients in a new and exciting way.

Ingredients

2 whole chicken breasts, halved
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp paprika
2 tbsp butter or margarine
1 medium eggplant, cut into 0.75 inch cubes (0.5 lb (227 g))
1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
0.5 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
2 zucchini, cut into 0.5 inch slices
1 x 14.5 oz (411 g) can peeled whole tomatoes, chopped
0.25 tsp ground thyme
0.25 tsp hot pepper sauce
2 cups hot cooked rice
lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

How to prepare

Season the chicken with salt and paprika. Brown it on both sides in butter in an ovenproof skillet. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Add the eggplant, pepper, onion, and garlic to the same skillet; cook until they are tender-crisp.
Arrange the chicken over the vegetables. Add the zucchini, tomatoes, thyme, and pepper sauce. Cover and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes.
Serve with hot rice. Garnish with lemon, if desired.
For added elegance, place the rice in the center of a platter and arrange the chicken around the edge.
Serve the vegetables separately.

Variations

Add olives or capers for a briny flavor.
Use different vegetables such as mushrooms, artichokes, or cherry tomatoes.
Substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for the chicken breasts.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken well before browning it to enhance the flavor.

- Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender-crisp to maintain their texture and flavor.

- Garnish the dish with lemon wedges for a fresh and citrusy touch.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Mediterranean can be served with a side of couscous, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before baking helps to seal in the juices and enhance the flavor.

- Baking the dish in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and creates a delicious sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of margarine for a more traditional Mediterranean flavor.

- Substitute red bell pepper for green bell pepper for a sweeter taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Chicken Mediterranean can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Mediterranean on a large platter with the rice in the center and the chicken and vegetables arranged around the edge for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken Mediterranean pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine such as Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chicken Mediterranean can be stored 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

Each serving of Chicken Mediterranean contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Mediterranean contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Mediterranean contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Mediterranean contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Mediterranean is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and iron.

Alergens

Chicken Mediterranean contains dairy (margarine) and eggs.

Summary

Chicken Mediterranean is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Mediterranean is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With a mix of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its flavors. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. She had just returned from a trip to the Mediterranean and was eager to share her culinary discoveries with me.

As Maria began to gather the ingredients for her Chicken Mediterranean dish, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The scent of fresh herbs and spices filled the air, transporting me back to my own childhood in the countryside of Italy. I could almost taste the sun-ripened tomatoes, the briny olives, and the tangy feta cheese that would all come together to create a symphony of flavors on my palate.

Maria explained to me that this recipe was a family heirloom, passed down through generations of her ancestors. It was a dish that had been lovingly prepared for special occasions and family gatherings, a true labor of love that brought people together around the table.

As Maria guided me through the steps of preparing the Chicken Mediterranean, I could see the passion and dedication in her eyes. She chopped the vegetables with precision, marinated the chicken with care, and layered the ingredients in the baking dish with a gentle touch. It was clear that this was more than just a recipe to her – it was a connection to her roots, a way to honor her heritage and pass on a piece of her family history.

As the dish baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, Maria shared stories of her childhood in the Mediterranean. She spoke of lazy afternoons spent playing in the olive groves, of family gatherings filled with laughter and love, and of the simple pleasures of sharing a meal with loved ones.

By the time the Chicken Mediterranean was ready to be served, I felt like I had been transported to a different time and place. The flavors of the dish were rich and complex, a perfect balance of savory and sweet, tangy and salty. Each bite was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to nourish not just the body but the soul.

As I savored the last bite of Chicken Mediterranean, I knew that this recipe would become a treasured part of my own culinary repertoire. It was more than just a dish – it was a story, a connection to the past, a reminder of the importance of tradition and family.

And so, as I bid farewell to Maria and her cozy kitchen, I carried with me not just a recipe for Chicken Mediterranean, but a piece of her heritage, a taste of the Mediterranean sun, and a reminder of the power of food to create memories that would last a lifetime.