Mediterranean-style Chicken

Mediterranean-Style Chicken Recipe with Tomato Sauce and Mushrooms

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mediterranean-style Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is easy to prepare. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a rich tomato sauce, savory mushrooms, and tangy olives for a satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

The Mediterranean region is known for its fresh and vibrant cuisine, which often features ingredients like tomatoes, olives, and garlic. This recipe draws inspiration from the flavors of the Mediterranean, combining classic ingredients in a new and exciting way.

Ingredients

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 large can of tomato sauce
1 small can of tomato purée
1 can of sliced mushrooms
1 can of ripe olives, sliced or whole
1 tbsp of garlic
1 tbsp of lemon juice
1 tsp of oregano
1 onion, chopped
0.5 cup of wine or brandy (optional)
cooked rice
salt to taste

How to prepare

Wash the chicken and remove any excess fat.
Combine all the ingredients in the crockpot, except for the rice.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Serve the chicken and sauce over rice.

Variations

For a lighter version of this dish, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. You can also add additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for extra flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your chicken stays tender and juicy, be sure not to overcook it. Cooking the chicken in a crockpot on low heat for several hours will help to lock in moisture and flavor. Additionally, be sure to season the dish with salt to taste to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mediterranean-style Chicken over cooked rice or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Cooking the chicken in a crockpot on low heat allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy. This slow cooking method is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without a lot of hands-on cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have brandy on hand, you can omit it from the recipe or substitute it with white wine or chicken broth. You can also use fresh mushrooms instead of canned mushrooms for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for Mediterranean-style Chicken ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. This makes it easy to have a delicious meal ready to go on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Mediterranean-style Chicken with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of richness.

Pairing Recommendations

Mediterranean-style Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including roasted vegetables, couscous, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with a glass of red wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Mediterranean-style Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until heated through or warm it on the stovetop over low heat.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mediterranean-style Chicken contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mediterranean-style Chicken contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help to fuel your daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of Mediterranean-style Chicken contains approximately 10 grams of fat. While fats are high in calories, they are also essential for absorbing certain vitamins and minerals and supporting overall health.

Proteins

Each serving of Mediterranean-style Chicken contains approximately 30 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an essential nutrient for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

Mediterranean-style Chicken is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron. These nutrients are important for supporting immune function, vision, and energy production in the body.

Alergens

This recipe contains onions and garlic, which are common allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Mediterranean-style Chicken is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a well-rounded meal that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Mediterranean-style Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With its tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and savory olives, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was given to me by a dear friend who had recently returned from a trip to the Mediterranean. She raved about the delicious flavors and vibrant colors of the dishes she had sampled, and I was eager to recreate them in my own kitchen.

As I read through the list of ingredients and instructions, I could practically taste the fragrant spices and savory herbs that would come together to form a symphony of flavors. The recipe called for marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and thyme, before roasting it to perfection in the oven.

I had never attempted a Mediterranean-style dish before, but I was determined to give it a try. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work, following the recipe to the letter. As the chicken marinated, the kitchen was filled with the most incredible aroma, transporting me to a sun-drenched village on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

When the chicken was finally done cooking, I couldn't wait to take my first bite. The meat was tender and juicy, infused with the flavors of the Mediterranean herbs and spices. Each mouthful was a burst of sunshine and sea breeze, a taste of a faraway land that felt strangely familiar.

I shared the dish with my family that evening, and they were equally impressed. My husband declared it one of the best meals I had ever made, and my children eagerly asked for seconds. I felt a swell of pride knowing that I had successfully recreated a taste of the Mediterranean right in my own home.

From that day on, Mediterranean-style Chicken became a staple in our household. I would make it for special occasions and weeknight dinners alike, always receiving rave reviews from my loved ones. I even began experimenting with different variations, adding olives, feta cheese, and roasted vegetables to create new and exciting flavors.

Over the years, I have come to cherish this recipe as one of my favorites. It reminds me of that first taste of the Mediterranean, of the warmth and hospitality of the people I met there, and of the joy of discovering new flavors and cuisines. It has become a symbol of my love for cooking and sharing delicious meals with those I hold dear.

As I look back on that fateful day when I first saw the recipe for Mediterranean-style Chicken, I am filled with gratitude for the journey it has taken me on. It has opened my eyes to a world of culinary possibilities and brought me closer to my family through the simple act of sharing a meal together. And for that, I will always be grateful.