Chicken with basil tomatoes
Basil Tomato Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Chicken with basil tomatoes is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a savory tomato and basil sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
History
This recipe is a modern twist on classic Italian flavors. The combination of tomatoes, basil, and chicken has been a popular one in Italian cuisine for centuries. This dish takes those traditional flavors and adds a few modern touches to create a dish that is both comforting and delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1.5 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp red-wine vinegar
- 2 cup hot cooked noodles
- 4 chicken breast halves (3 oz (85 g))
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil or
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp plain nonfat yogurt
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
How to prepare
- Bone and skin the chicken breasts.
- Thinly slice the onion and separate into rings.
- Drizzle oil over both sides of the chicken breasts and place them in an 8-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with onion, basil, and garlic.
- Cover the dish with a vented cover and microwave on high for 6-8 minutes, rotating the dish halfway through cooking and stirring once, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let the chicken stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken to a plate, cover, and keep warm.
- Stir tomatoes, yogurt, vinegar, and Parmesan into the onion mixture remaining in the dish.
- Microwave on medium for 2-3 minutes, until heated through but not boiling.
- Remove and reserve 0.5 cup of sauce.
- Add noodles to the dish and stir to coat well.
- Serve the chicken over the noodles and spoon the reserved sauce over the chicken.
- Per serving: 282 calories, 7 g fat (19.8%), 26 g protein, 27 g carbohydrates, 240 mg sodium, 77 mg cholesterol.
Variations
- Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
- Use fresh basil instead of dried for a more intense basil flavor.
- Substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a different texture.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to bone and skin the chicken breasts before cooking to ensure that they cook evenly and are tender.
- When microwaving the chicken, be sure to rotate the dish halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Reserve some of the sauce to spoon over the chicken before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken with basil tomatoes with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe uses the microwave to cook the chicken quickly and efficiently. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have red-wine vinegar, you can substitute white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. You can also use dried basil instead of fresh if you don't have any on hand.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the chicken as directed.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Chicken with basil tomatoes on a bed of hot cooked noodles for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
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
Each serving of Chicken with basil tomatoes contains 282 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Chicken with basil tomatoes contains 27 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Chicken with basil tomatoes contains 7 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Chicken with basil tomatoes contains 26 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (yogurt and Parmesan cheese) and may contain gluten if served with noodles.
Summary
Chicken with basil tomatoes is a well-balanced meal that is high in protein and low in fat. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals and is relatively low in calories.
Summary
Chicken with basil tomatoes is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a flavorful tomato and basil sauce, tender chicken breasts, and hot cooked noodles, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village in Italy. Maria was known throughout the town for her incredible cooking skills, and I was always eager to learn from her.
One afternoon, as we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping on homemade limoncello, Maria began to prepare a simple yet delicious dish - chicken with basil tomatoes. The aroma that filled the room was absolutely intoxicating, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.
As Maria chopped fresh tomatoes and basil from her garden, she shared with me the story behind the recipe. It was a family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation. The secret, she said, was in the simplicity of the ingredients and the love with which it was prepared.
I watched intently as Maria seasoned the chicken with a blend of herbs and spices, then seared it to perfection in a hot skillet. The sizzle of the chicken as it cooked brought back memories of my own grandmother's kitchen, where I first fell in love with the art of cooking.
As the chicken cooked, Maria added the fresh tomatoes and basil, allowing them to simmer and release their flavors. The smell was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.
When the chicken was finally ready, Maria plated it with a generous serving of the tomato and basil sauce. I took my first bite, and was instantly transported to a place of pure bliss. The flavors were bold and bright, with just the right amount of acidity from the tomatoes and sweetness from the basil.
I begged Maria to teach me the recipe, and she graciously agreed. We spent the rest of the afternoon in her kitchen, as she guided me through each step with patience and care. I took notes furiously, determined to recreate this masterpiece in my own home.
When it was finally time to say goodbye, Maria handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe, along with a jar of her homemade tomato sauce. She told me to make it with love, just as she had done for all those years.
And so, armed with the knowledge and the ingredients, I returned home and set to work. I carefully followed Maria's instructions, chopping, searing, and simmering with the same care and attention to detail that she had shown me.
When the dish was finally ready, I sat down to enjoy it with my family. The flavors were just as I remembered - bold, bright, and bursting with the taste of summer. My husband and children raved about it, asking for seconds and thirds.
From that moment on, chicken with basil tomatoes became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions, family gatherings, and just because. Each time, I thought of Maria and the day we spent together in her kitchen, creating something truly magical.
As the years passed, I continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own little touches here and there. But the essence of the dish remained the same - simple, elegant, and full of love.
And now, as I pass this recipe down to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will cherish it as much as I have. May it bring you joy, comfort, and a taste of the rich culinary heritage that runs through our family.
Remember, cooking is not just about following a recipe - it's about creating something beautiful and delicious to share with the ones you love. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime.
With love and a sprinkle of basil,
Your grandmother