Chicken 'n' kraut

Chicken 'n' Kraut Recipe: Deliciously Savory Provolone-Topped Dish

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken 'n' kraut is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy cheese. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

History

Chicken 'n' kraut is a traditional dish that has its roots in German cuisine. Sauerkraut, which is fermented cabbage, has been a staple in German cooking for centuries. The combination of sauerkraut and chicken is a classic pairing that results in a flavorful and comforting dish.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
0.75 tsp salt
0.75 tsp pepper
2 cups washed and drained sauerkraut
4 slices provolone cheese
4 tbsp low-calorie Russian dressing

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and place the chicken in the bottom. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken. Spread sauerkraut over each piece of chicken, then top with a slice of provolone cheese. Finally, cover with Russian dressing. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake until the chicken is tender, approximately 15–20 minutes. **Note:** Use sauerkraut that comes packaged in plastic bags or glass jars, preferably the kind that is kept refrigerated in the market as it is crisper and does not have a canned taste. This recipe yields approximately 278 calories, 35 g of protein, 11 g of fat, 1218 mg of calcium, 85 mg of sodium, 10 g of carbohydrates, and 85 mg of cholesterol. It can be considered as 4 protein exchanges, 1 vegetable exchange, and 30 optional exchanges.

Variations

Substitute Swiss cheese for the provolone for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of caraway seeds to the sauerkraut for a more traditional German twist.
Use Thousand Island dressing instead of Russian dressing for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe to keep it lean and healthy.

- Season the chicken with salt and pepper before adding the sauerkraut and cheese for maximum flavor.

- Covering the dish with aluminum foil while baking helps to keep the chicken moist and tender.

- Serve the chicken 'n' kraut hot out of the oven for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chicken 'n' kraut with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.

- Use cheddar cheese instead of provolone.

- Use mustard instead of Russian dressing.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken 'n' kraut up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the chicken 'n' kraut on a bed of mashed potatoes or rice for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair chicken 'n' kraut with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

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

Each serving of chicken 'n' kraut contains approximately 278 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of chicken 'n' kraut contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of chicken 'n' kraut contains approximately 11 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of chicken 'n' kraut contains approximately 35 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken 'n' kraut is a good source of calcium, with each serving containing approximately 1218 milligrams.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Chicken 'n' kraut is a high-protein, low-carb dish that is rich in calcium and relatively low in calories.

Summary

Chicken 'n' kraut is a delicious and comforting dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With its tender chicken, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Chicken 'n' kraut. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, with a knack for creating delicious dishes that always left us craving for more.

One day, as I watched her prepare dinner, she pulled out a humble can of sauerkraut from the pantry and a few chicken pieces from the fridge. Intrigued by the combination, I asked her what she was making. With a twinkle in her eye, she replied, "Chicken 'n' kraut, a family favorite passed down from generations."

As she went about seasoning the chicken and sautéing it in a pan, the tangy aroma of the sauerkraut filled the kitchen. I couldn't wait to taste the final dish. When she finally served it up on a platter, the tender chicken pieces nestled in a bed of tangy sauerkraut looked absolutely mouthwatering.

With my first bite, I was hooked. The savory flavors of the chicken melded perfectly with the tangy sauerkraut, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that danced on my taste buds. It was a simple yet incredibly delicious dish that left a lasting impression on me.

From that day on, I made it my mission to learn how to make Chicken 'n' kraut just like my grandmother. I watched her every move in the kitchen, taking mental notes of the ingredients and techniques she used. I asked her endless questions about the recipe, determined to master it myself.

Over the years, I experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding my own touch here and there to make it truly my own. I tried using different cuts of chicken, varying the seasonings, and even incorporating other ingredients to enhance the flavor profile. Each time I made Chicken 'n' kraut, it brought back memories of that first magical taste that captivated me all those years ago.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, Chicken 'n' kraut became a staple in our household. It was a dish that brought us together around the dinner table, where we shared stories and laughter over plates of steaming hot chicken and kraut. My children grew to love it just as much as I did, and they often requested it for special occasions and family gatherings.

One day, as I was preparing Chicken 'n' kraut for dinner, my daughter asked me where I learned to make this delicious dish. I smiled as I recounted the story of how I first discovered the recipe from my own grandmother, passing down the tradition through the generations. She listened intently, her eyes wide with wonder at the thought of a young girl like me learning to cook from her own grandmother.

As I finished cooking and served up the meal, my family dug in with gusto, savoring each bite of the savory chicken and tangy sauerkraut. The dish had become a symbol of our family heritage, a reminder of the love and tradition that bound us together through the years.

And so, as I sit here now, recalling that first taste of Chicken 'n' kraut that sparked my passion for cooking, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of culinary knowledge passed down to me by my grandmother. It is a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and love that food can bring to our lives. And as I continue to cook and create in the kitchen, I know that the legacy of Chicken 'n' kraut will live on in my family for generations to come.