Chicken with peas

Chicken with Peas – Traditional Recipe with a Perfect Taste

If you are looking for a delicious, quick, and nutrient-rich recipe, chicken with peas is the perfect choice. This delightful dish combines succulent chicken meat with sweet peas and a tomato sauce that envelops the ingredients in an irresistible aroma. It is a recipe that reminds us of family meals, when we all gathered around the table to enjoy the joy of cooking together.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g chicken meat (thighs or breast)
- 2 cans of peas (approximately 400 g)
- 400 ml tomato juice (or 4 fresh tomatoes, pureed)
- 1 medium onion
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley

Preparation of chicken with peas:

1. Preparing the chicken:
Start by washing the chicken under cold running water. Cut it into suitable pieces so that it cooks evenly. Choose thighs for a richer taste or breast for a leaner option.

2. Browning the chicken:
In a deep skillet, add the oil and let it heat over medium heat. Add the pieces of chicken and brown them on all sides until golden. This step is important as it will add a delicious flavor to the dish.

3. Adding the onion:
Meanwhile, chop the onion finely. Once the chicken is browned, add the onion to the skillet. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until it becomes slightly transparent. This will bring extra flavor to the dish.

4. The tomato sauce:
Add the tomato juice over the chicken and onion. If using fresh tomatoes, make sure to puree them first. Let everything simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors combine perfectly.

5. Boiling:
After the sauce has started boiling, add enough water to cover the chicken. Put the lid on the skillet and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This step will ensure tender and juicy meat.

6. Adding the peas:
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and add the peas. Season with salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. The peas add a sweet note and a crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the chicken.

7. Baking:
Once the mixture has come to a boil again, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven at 180°C for another 20 minutes. Baking will intensify the flavors and help perfectly blend the ingredients.

8. Finalizing the dish:
After 20 minutes, take the skillet out of the oven and add the chopped fresh parsley. This will add a splash of color and freshness to the dish.

Serving suggestions:
Chicken with peas can be served alongside basmati rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Additionally, a light green salad would perfectly complement the meal, offering a fresh contrast. Don’t forget to keep a few lemon slices for garnish and a splash of acidity!

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken, while the peas provide a significant amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the tomato sauce is an excellent source of antioxidants, especially lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health.

Tips and variations:
If you want to add a touch of spice, you can add a finely chopped chili pepper during the onion sautéing. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to add an even more complex flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen peas? Absolutely! Frozen peas are just as tasty and can be added directly to the recipe without needing to thaw beforehand.
- What else can I substitute in the recipe? If you don’t have tomato juice, you can use tomato paste or even ready-made tomato sauce.
- How long does chicken with peas keep in the fridge? The dish keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container.

Now that you have all the necessary information, don’t hold back! Start cooking this chicken with peas recipe and enjoy every bite. This dish is not just food for the body, but also for the soul, reminding us of the beautiful moments spent with loved ones. Bon appétit!