Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives
Authentic Italian Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives Recipe
Introduction
Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with the tangy taste of tomatoes and the briny flavor of olives. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
History
This recipe has Mediterranean origins, with influences from Italian and Greek cuisines. The combination of chicken, tomatoes, and olives creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken (4 lb or 1.81 kg), cut into 8 or 10 pieces (divide the breast into quarters for 10 pieces)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning the chicken
- 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup of dry white wine
- 2 large cloves of garlic, minced
- 0.75 cup of strained tomatoes, such as Pomi brand
- 1.5 cup (5 oz or 142 g) of whole green olives, pitted
- 0.25 tsp of salt, or more to taste
- 0.25 tsp of freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
- Note: Strained tomatoes are readily available in most supermarkets in either the canned tomato or pasta aisles. Sometimes the product may be referred to by its Italian name “passato” and can be found either bottled or cartoned, as is the case with the Pomi brand.
How to prepare
- Dry the chicken pieces with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces, skin side down. Fry until nicely browned, turning to brown both sides. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes per side.
- Once the chicken has browned, transfer it to a plate and set aside.
- Add white wine and garlic to the pan, scraping the brown bits off the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add strained tomatoes, olives, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir until well combined.
- Return the chicken to the skillet along with its juices. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove the cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Transfer the chicken to a warmed platter.
- Adjust the seasoning of the sauce with salt and pepper. Pour the sauce and olives over the chicken.
- Serve hot.
Variations
- Add diced bell peppers or onions to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Use black olives instead of green olives for a different taste profile.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar to the sauce for a tangy kick.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to dry the chicken pieces thoroughly before seasoning and cooking to ensure a crispy skin.
- Browning the chicken before simmering it in the sauce helps to seal in the juices and adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Adjust the seasoning of the sauce to your taste preferences by adding more salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the dish with crusty bread or over pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives with a side of crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a simple green salad for a lighter option.
Cooking Techniques
The key cooking techniques for this recipe include browning the chicken, simmering it in the sauce, and adjusting the seasoning to taste. These techniques help to develop the flavors of the dish and create a delicious final product.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have white wine on hand, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth for a similar flavor profile. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of bone-in chicken pieces for a lighter option.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the sauce for Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked chicken pieces.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
This dish pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers of Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal option.
Carbohydrates
This dish is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. Each serving contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives is a moderate-fat dish, with each serving containing approximately 15 grams of fat. The olive oil used in the recipe adds healthy monounsaturated fats to the dish.
Proteins
This dish is a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 30 grams of protein. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair.
Vitamins and minerals
Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and olives. Olives also provide a good source of iron and vitamin E.
Alergens
This recipe contains chicken and olives, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.
Summary
Overall, Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives is a nutritious and balanced meal option that provides a good mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It is a flavorful dish that is sure to please your taste buds.
Summary
Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With its Mediterranean flavors and nutritious ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village in Italy. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to learning new recipes from her.
On this particular day, Maria invited me into her cozy kitchen and handed me a glass of homemade lemonade. As we chatted and caught up, she started preparing a dish that filled the air with the most mouthwatering aromas. It was a simple yet flavorful chicken dish that she called "Pollo con Pomodori e Olive" - Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives.
I watched intently as Maria expertly browned the chicken pieces in a hot skillet before adding a generous amount of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and olives. The sizzle of the ingredients as they cooked together was music to my ears. Maria explained that the key to this dish was using ripe, juicy tomatoes and good quality olives to enhance the flavors.
As the dish simmered on the stove, Maria shared with me the story of how she learned to make this recipe. She told me that she had inherited it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. The recipe was a family favorite, loved by all who had the pleasure of tasting it.
Maria generously wrote down the recipe for me, complete with detailed instructions and tips for perfecting the dish. I was grateful for her kindness and eager to try making it myself when I returned home.
Back in my own kitchen, I gathered the ingredients and set to work recreating Maria's Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives. The familiar aromas filled the air, reminding me of my time spent in Maria's kitchen. The dish turned out just as delicious as I remembered, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had successfully replicated Maria's recipe.
Over the years, I have made Maria's Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives countless times for my family and friends. Each time, it never fails to impress and delight, earning me compliments and requests for the recipe.
I have since added my own twist to the dish, experimenting with different herbs and spices to make it my own. Sometimes I add a splash of white wine for a touch of elegance, or a handful of fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness. No matter how I choose to make it, the dish always brings joy and satisfaction to those who enjoy it.
As I sit here now, reminiscing about the day I first discovered this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the friendships and memories that have enriched my life. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to connect with others and create lasting bonds through shared meals and shared experiences.
I am thankful for Maria and her generous spirit, for sharing with me a recipe that has become a treasured part of my culinary repertoire. The memory of that warm summer day in Italy will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that comes from good food and good company.
And so, I continue to cook and share my love for food with those around me, passing down recipes and traditions just as Maria did for me. For in the kitchen, we find not only nourishment for our bodies but also nourishment for our souls, a connection to the past and a hope for the future. And for that, I am truly grateful.