Chicken simmered with Zucchini, Tomatoes and Mushrooms

Italian Chicken Simmered with Zucchini, Tomatoes and Mushrooms Recipe

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Chicken simmered with Zucchini, Tomatoes and Mushrooms recipe is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs makes for a satisfying meal that is sure to please the whole family.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, and mushrooms is a popular one in Italian cuisine, and this recipe puts a fresh and healthy spin on the traditional flavors.

Ingredients

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
6 oz (170 g) portobello mushrooms, coarsely chopped (about 2.5 cups)
2 garlic cloves, minced
0.25 to 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
0.5 tsp dried oregano
0.5 tsp dried basil
0.5 cup gluten-free chicken broth
4 Italian plum tomatoes, quartered
2 medium zucchini, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 lb (454 g) chicken tenders

How to prepare

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
Sauté the onion, mushrooms, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil until the onions are translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Stir in the chicken broth, tomatoes, and zucchini and bring it to a simmer.
Stir in the chicken, cover, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes.

Variations

Add in some chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.
Swap out the chicken tenders for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add in extra vegetables such as bell peppers or eggplant.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the vegetables and chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.

- For a richer flavor, you can use chicken stock instead of chicken broth.

- Feel free to add in other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken simmered with Zucchini, Tomatoes and Mushrooms recipe pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses the simmering technique to cook the chicken and vegetables slowly in a flavorful broth, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of mushrooms in place of portobello mushrooms.

- Feel free to use cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes in place of plum tomatoes.

- Substitute chicken tenders with chicken breasts or thighs if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this dish in a shallow bowl and garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This Chicken simmered with Zucchini, Tomatoes and Mushrooms recipe pairs well with a light and crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio 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 microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 300 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 10 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check for any specific allergies before serving.

Summary

This recipe is a well-balanced meal that is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy and satisfying option for dinner.

Summary

This Chicken simmered with Zucchini, Tomatoes and Mushrooms recipe is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. With a balance of proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was hit with the most wonderful aroma - the scent of garlic and onions sizzling in a pan, mingling with the earthy smell of fresh tomatoes and the savory scent of chicken cooking to perfection.

Maria greeted me with a warm embrace and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I have a new recipe to share with you today, my dear friend," she said, her voice filled with excitement.

I eagerly sat down at the kitchen table as Maria bustled about, gathering ingredients and telling me the story behind this delicious dish. She explained that she learned it from her mother, who had learned it from her own mother before her. It was a recipe that had been passed down through the generations, each cook adding their own unique twist to make it their own.

As Maria began to cook, I watched in awe as she expertly chopped vegetables, browned the chicken, and simmered everything together in a rich tomato sauce. The smell was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Maria dished up a generous portion of the chicken simmered with zucchini, tomatoes, and mushrooms and placed it in front of me. I took a bite, and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The chicken was tender and juicy, the vegetables were perfectly cooked, and the sauce was rich and savory.

I couldn't help but exclaim in delight, "This is the most delicious thing I have ever tasted!"

Maria laughed and said, "I knew you would love it. This recipe is a labor of love, passed down through the generations. It's a taste of our heritage, a reminder of where we come from."

From that day on, I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. I begged Maria for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me, along with all of her tips and tricks for making it just right.

I began to make the chicken simmered with zucchini, tomatoes, and mushrooms for my own family, and it quickly became a favorite in our household. I would cook it for special occasions, for Sunday dinners, or just because I was craving a taste of home.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, each time adding my own little twist to make it my own. Sometimes I use fresh herbs from my garden, sometimes I add a splash of wine to the sauce, and sometimes I experiment with different types of mushrooms or vegetables.

But no matter how I tweak the recipe, the taste always takes me back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, where I first discovered the magic of chicken simmered with zucchini, tomatoes, and mushrooms. It is a recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And for that, I am eternally grateful.