Chicken breast with olives

Chicken breast with olives and tomato sauce

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the world of flavors! Today, I will take you on an amazing culinary journey with a recipe for chicken breast with olives, a dish that perfectly combines the succulent texture of chicken with the richness and flavor of olives and tomato sauce. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends. Let's get started!

Recipe History
Over time, chicken has been a staple ingredient in the cuisine of many cultures. Olives, on the other hand, are known for their nutritional properties and have been cultivated for thousands of years. The combination of these two has led to the creation of savory dishes that pay tribute to culinary traditions. This simple yet flavorful recipe can quickly become your family’s favorite, just as it has for mine.

Necessary Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 600g)
- 5 large onions
- 300g pitted olives (preferably green for a more vibrant taste)
- 100ml oil (olive oil for added flavor)
- 5 tablespoons tomato paste (choose a high-quality paste for a richer sauce)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste

Ingredient Details
Chicken breast is an excellent source of protein, with a low-fat content. Onions not only add flavor but also valuable antioxidants, while olives are rich in healthy fats, essential for a balanced diet. Tomato paste adds a note of acidity, perfectly balancing the flavors.

Necessary Utensils
- Kitchen knife
- Cutting board
- Food processor or fine grater
- Pot
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Baking dish (optional)

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Start by cleaning the chicken breast, removing excess fat. Cut it into medium-sized pieces to cook evenly. Peel and finely chop the onions in a food processor or grate them finely. It is important to get a fine paste so that the onions caramelize beautifully, bringing natural sweetness to the dish.

Step 2: Heating the Oil
In a pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. This is the perfect time to add the chopped onions. Sauté the onions for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden and soft. This step is essential for developing the base flavors of the dish.

Step 3: Adding the Olives
Wash the olives in cold water, then add them to the pot with the onions. Add enough water to cover the ingredients, then add salt and pepper to taste. Now is the time to add the tomato paste, which will enrich the sauce and give a vibrant color to the dish. Let everything simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Cooking the Chicken Breast
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet with 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the chicken breast pieces and fry them on both sides until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet to allow the chicken to fry evenly.

Step 5: Combining the Ingredients
Once the chicken breast is cooked, add it to the pot with the onion and olive sauce. Gently stir to combine the ingredients. Now, let everything simmer for 20 minutes until the sauce reduces and becomes more concentrated. Alternatively, for a more intense flavor, you can transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 180°C for 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 6: Serving
Once the dish is ready, remove it from the oven or heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it warm, alongside a side of rice or mashed potatoes, which will absorb the delicious sauce. It’s wonderful to add a fresh green salad on the side to balance the rich flavors of the dish.

Useful Tips
- If you want to add a note of freshness, try adding some green and black olives for a contrast of colors and flavors.
- If you are a fan of spices, feel free to add some herbs like oregano or rosemary to enhance the taste.
- You can store leftovers in the refrigerator, and the next day, the dish will taste even better as the flavors combine even more.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken breast?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to achieve an even texture.

2. What type of olives should I choose?
Green olives have a more pronounced taste, while black ones are sweeter. You can experiment with both types to find your preferred combination.

3. How can I turn this dish into a vegetarian recipe?
You can replace the chicken breast with tofu or seitan, and the rest of the ingredients remain the same to keep the flavors.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This recipe for chicken breast with olives contains approximately 350 calories per serving, providing an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, especially due to the olives and onions. It is a balanced meal that will provide you with energy and essential nutrients.

In conclusion, chicken breast with olives and tomato sauce is a recipe that combines tradition and innovation. It is easy to prepare, full of flavors, and perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try it and adapt it to your personal taste. Enjoy your meal!