Easy Elegant Chicken

Easy Elegant Chicken Recipe: A Tasty American Classic

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Easy Elegant Chicken is a delicious and simple dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines tender chicken with flavorful vegetables and a savory tomato sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice.

History

This recipe for Easy Elegant Chicken has been a favorite in many households for years. It is a classic dish that is loved for its simplicity and delicious flavors. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and tomatoes creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 tsp salt, divided
0.5 tsp ground black pepper, divided
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) stewed tomatoes, drained and chopped
0.5 cup sherry wine
3 cups cooked rice

How to prepare

Sprinkle chicken with 0.5 tsp of salt and 0.25 tsp of pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Cook chicken for about 5 minutes or until light brown.
Add green pepper and mushrooms; cook for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring, until vegetables are tender.
Add chopped tomatoes, remaining 0.5 tsp of salt, remaining 0.25 tsp of pepper, and sherry. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring several times.
Serve over hot cooked rice.

Variations

Add in your favorite herbs and spices such as oregano, basil, or thyme for extra flavor.
Substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different grain base.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Cooking the chicken in olive oil helps to brown the meat and add flavor to the dish.

- Don't overcook the vegetables; they should be tender but still have a bit of crunch.

- Be sure to drain and chop the stewed tomatoes before adding them to the dish.

- Serve the Easy Elegant Chicken over hot cooked rice to soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Easy Elegant Chicken with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Searing the chicken in a hot skillet helps to lock in the juices and create a flavorful crust on the meat.

- Cooking the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp ensures they retain their nutrients and add texture to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any color of bell pepper in place of green pepper.

- Any type of mushrooms can be used in this recipe, such as button mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Easy Elegant Chicken up to a day in advance and reheat it before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a pop of color. - Serve the Easy Elegant Chicken in a large serving bowl or on individual plates for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

- A side of garlic bread or crusty French bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the Easy Elegant Chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 350 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Cooked rice: 45g per cup

- Green pepper: 6g per cup

- Mushrooms: 2g per cup

- Stewed tomatoes: 10g per cup

Fats

- Olive oil: 14g per tablespoon

Proteins

- Chicken breasts: 43g per 4 oz serving

Vitamins and minerals

Green pepper: High in vitamin C and vitamin A

- Mushrooms: Good source of vitamin D and B vitamins

- Stewed tomatoes: Rich in vitamin C and potassium

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, while being relatively low in calories and carbohydrates.

Summary

Easy Elegant Chicken is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a savory tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it over hot cooked rice for a satisfying and comforting meal.

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 Margaret for our weekly coffee date. As always, she had prepared a delicious spread of treats for us to enjoy while we caught up on each other's lives. One dish in particular caught my eye - a mouthwatering plate of Easy Elegant Chicken.

I couldn't resist asking Margaret for the recipe, and she was more than happy to share it with me. She explained that it was a family recipe that had been passed down through the generations, and she had added her own little twist to it over the years. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn how to make such a delectable dish.

Margaret took me into her kitchen and guided me through the process step by step. She showed me how to marinate the chicken in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, and then how to sear it to perfection in a hot skillet. The aroma that filled the kitchen was absolutely intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Margaret shared stories of how she had first learned to make Easy Elegant Chicken from her own grandmother. She recounted fond memories of spending time in the kitchen with her, watching and learning as she worked her magic with the ingredients. It was clear that this recipe held a special place in her heart, and I felt honored to now be a part of that tradition.

From that day on, Easy Elegant Chicken became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for a quiet night in with my husband. Each time I prepared it, I felt a connection to Margaret and her grandmother, and a sense of pride in carrying on the tradition.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have added a splash of white wine for a touch of acidity, and sometimes I throw in a handful of fresh herbs from my garden for an extra burst of flavor. But the essence of the dish remains the same - simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, and it has become a favorite among all who have tried it. I love seeing the smiles on their faces as they take their first bite, just as I did the first time I tasted Margaret's Easy Elegant Chicken.

As I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make this wonderful dish, I am filled with gratitude for the friendships and connections that have enriched my life. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and through recipes like Easy Elegant Chicken, I have been able to not only nourish my body but also my soul.

So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, searching for a dish that is both easy to make and elegant to serve, I urge you to give Easy Elegant Chicken a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be sharing the recipe with someone special in your life, passing on the tradition for generations to come.