Chicken with Tomatoes and Balsamic Vinegar

Chicken with Tomatoes and Balsamic Vinegar Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Chicken with Tomatoes and Balsamic Vinegar recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet tomatoes, and savory chicken creates a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress your guests.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian cuisine, which often features the use of balsamic vinegar in savory dishes. The addition of tomatoes adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish, making it a perfect choice for a summer meal.

Ingredients

0.33 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
0.5 cup chopped onions
1 tsp fresh chopped or 1 tsp finely minced garlic
rosemary, or 0.5 can (1 lb 12 oz) dried rosemary, crumbled
plum tomatoes, drained
3 whole chicken breasts
0.25 tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to prepare

In a dish, mix chicken broth, vinegar, and rosemary.
In another dish, place the chicken and pour the above mixture over it. Refrigerate overnight.
Remove the chicken and pat it dry. Let the marinade remain in the dish.
Heat oil in a heavy frying pan and brown the chicken in two batches.
Remove the chicken from the pan; add onions and garlic. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes, until onions are softened.
Add the marinade to the pan and bring to a simmer.
Add the chicken, paste with some of the marinade, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.
Remove the chicken and keep it warm.
Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until thickened.
Pour the sauce over the chicken.

Variations

Add fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for a burst of flavor.
Substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for the chicken breasts for a different texture.
Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinating the chicken overnight helps to infuse it with flavor and ensures that it stays moist and tender during cooking.

- Browning the chicken before simmering it in the sauce helps to seal in the juices and create a crispy exterior.

- Be sure to simmer the sauce until it thickens to ensure that it coats the chicken evenly and has a rich flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with a side of pasta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables would also complement the flavors of the dish.

Cooking Techniques

Marinating the chicken overnight helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.

- Browning the chicken before simmering it in the sauce helps to create a crispy exterior and seal in the juices.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes in place of plum tomatoes.

- Red wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for balsamic vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken the night before and refrigerate it until ready to cook. This allows the flavors to develop and makes for a quick and easy meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the chicken with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary for a touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light and fruity red wine such as Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. A side of garlic bread or roasted potatoes would also complement the flavors of the dish.

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

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 8g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and gluten (if served with pasta).

Summary

This Chicken with Tomatoes and Balsamic Vinegar recipe 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

This Chicken with Tomatoes and Balsamic Vinegar recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With a balance of flavors and a mix of vitamins and minerals, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Chicken with Tomatoes and Balsamic Vinegar. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. The aroma of garlic and tomatoes filled the air as she chopped vegetables and seasoned the chicken with balsamic vinegar. I was mesmerized by the colors and flavors coming together in perfect harmony.

Maria and I had been friends for years, and she was known for her delicious Italian recipes. She had learned to cook from her own grandmother, who had passed down traditional dishes through generations. As we chatted and sipped on some homemade wine, Maria shared with me the story behind this particular recipe.

She told me that the recipe had been in her family for generations, originating from her great-grandmother who lived in a small village in Italy. The villagers would often gather together and share their culinary secrets, passing down recipes from one generation to the next. This recipe for Chicken with Tomatoes and Balsamic Vinegar was a favorite among the villagers, known for its simplicity and rich flavors.

Maria's great-grandmother had learned the recipe from a traveling merchant who had passed through the village one summer. He had brought with him exotic spices and ingredients from far-off lands, including balsamic vinegar from Modena. The villagers had never tasted anything like it before, and they were eager to incorporate it into their own cooking.

Over the years, Maria had perfected the recipe, adding her own twist with fresh herbs from her garden and locally sourced tomatoes. She explained to me the importance of using high-quality balsamic vinegar, as it added a depth of flavor that was unparalleled. As she finished cooking the dish, the chicken was tender and juicy, the tomatoes were bursting with sweetness, and the balsamic vinegar added a tangy kick that tied everything together.

I couldn't wait to try the dish for myself, and Maria graciously shared the recipe with me. As I made it in my own kitchen for the first time, I felt a sense of connection to Maria's family and the generations of women who had lovingly prepared this dish before me. The flavors brought back memories of lazy summer days spent in Maria's kitchen, laughing and sharing stories over plates of delicious food.

As the years passed, I continued to make Chicken with Tomatoes and Balsamic Vinegar for my own family and friends. It became a staple at gatherings and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I loved the way the dish brought people together, sparking conversation and creating lasting memories.

To this day, whenever I make Chicken with Tomatoes and Balsamic Vinegar, I think of Maria and her family. I am grateful for the culinary traditions that have been passed down through the generations, connecting us to our past and preserving the flavors of our heritage. And as I sit down to enjoy a plate of this delicious dish, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting bonds.