Bird file with cherry red

Chicken fillet with cherry tomatoes – a delicious and easy-to-prepare recipe

If you are looking for a quick yet flavorful recipe, you have come to the right place. This chicken fillet with cherry tomatoes recipe promises not only an exceptional taste but also a beautiful presentation, perfect for a special dinner or a family meal.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15-17 minutes
Total: 30-32 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients needed

- 6 pieces of chicken breast (preferably of high quality)
- Salt and ground pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of ground thyme
- Olive oil (for frying and for sauce)
- 2 cans of peeled cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 150 g of Kalamata black olives (pitted)
- 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano leaves (or dried)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon zest (preferably organic)
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil (for sauce)
- 20 fresh basil leaves
- A bag of rice-shaped pasta (preferably whole grain)

A brief history

This recipe brings together influences from Mediterranean cuisine, where cherry tomatoes and olives are often used. The combination of these ingredients not only offers a delicious taste but also a vibrant appearance, perfect for pleasing the eyes. Chicken-based dishes are appreciated in most cultures due to their versatility and juicy texture.

Preparing the sauce

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. In the meantime, we will prepare the sauce.

2. Sauce mixture: In an ovenproof dish (like Pyrex), add the peeled cherry tomatoes, chopped garlic, sugar, Kalamata olives, oregano, lemon zest, and 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well to combine the ingredients.

3. Baking the sauce: Place the dish in the oven for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify.

Preparing the chicken breast

4. Preparing the chicken breast: While the sauce is in the oven, coat each piece of chicken breast with olive oil, then sprinkle salt, pepper, and ground thyme on both sides.

5. Frying the chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Fry the chicken breast for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. It is important not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.

Assembling and finishing the dish

6. Combining the ingredients: Carefully remove the sauce dish from the oven. Gently place the fried chicken breasts in the tomato sauce, generously covering them with it. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.

Preparing the pasta

7. Boiling the pasta: While the chicken is baking, boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente.

8. Frying the pasta: Drain the pasta, then heat a non-stick skillet with a little olive oil. Add the drained pasta and sauté for a few minutes, adding salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add the torn basil leaves and gently mix.

Serving

9. Assembling the plate: On a platter, place a bed of sautéed pasta, then top with the chicken fillets covered in the cherry tomato sauce. You can garnish with a few fresh basil leaves for a special touch.

Chef's tip

For a personal touch, you can add crumbled feta cheese on top of the chicken before serving. This will add a creamy texture and a salty flavor that perfectly complements the dish. Also, feel free to experiment with other ingredients, such as bell peppers or zucchini, which can be added to the sauce for even greater flavor variety.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can replace chicken breast with chicken thighs or even turkey, but the cooking time will change slightly.

2. What other side dishes can I serve?
This recipe pairs very well with a fresh salad or mashed potatoes to add a contrast of textures.

3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Of course! You can prepare the sauce and chicken breast a few hours ahead, and then combine and bake them when you are ready to serve.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy! Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, while cherry tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and K. Olives add healthy fats that are good for the heart, and basil and oregano bring extra flavor and nutrients.

Calories

One serving (approximately 200 g) contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the side dish.

This chicken fillet with cherry tomatoes recipe is a true feast for the senses! Get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 6 pieces of chicken breast for schnitzel and ground pepper, 2 tablespoons of ground thyme, olive oil for the sauce, 2 cans of peeled tomatoes, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 150 g of black olives - kalamata, 2 tablespoons of oregano leaves, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 4 tablespoons of oil, salt, pepper, 20 basil leaves. For pasta, a bag of rice-shaped pasta.