Natural chicken breast with ham and vegetables

Delicious natural chicken breast recipe with ham and vegetables

Cooking is an art, and today I will share with you a recipe that combines flavor, texture, and freshness of ingredients. This natural chicken breast recipe with ham and vegetables is not only simple but also extraordinarily tasty. It is perfect for a quick dinner, yet has enough elegance to impress at a family lunch or with friends.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 chicken breast (approximately 500 g)
- 250 g boiled and smoked ham or bacon
- 1 large tomato
- 2 bell peppers (yellow or red)
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion
- 100 g zucchini
- 150 g mushrooms
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley
- 5 tablespoons of olive oil
- Chicken seasoning (pepper, paprika)
- Salt (optional, to taste)

A brief history of the recipe

This recipe was inspired by culinary traditions that emphasize fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques. Chicken breast, an excellent source of protein, is often preferred for its tender texture and versatility. Combined with smoked ham and colorful vegetables, this dish becomes not only a healthy meal but also an explosion of flavors and colors on the plate.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables

1. Wash and cut the vegetables: Start by thoroughly washing the carrots, peppers, zucchini, tomato, and mushrooms. Cut the vegetables into desired shapes—cubes, strips, or slices, according to your preference. A nice variation would be to cut them into different shapes to add texture and visual interest to the plate.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pan, heat the 5 tablespoons of olive oil. First, add the carrots and onion, letting them sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly translucent. This will provide a wonderful aroma to the dish.

3. Add the other vegetables: After a few minutes, add the bell peppers, zucchini, tomato, and mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add about 50 ml of water and cover the pan. Let the vegetables cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender.

Step 2: Preparing the chicken breast

1. Prepare the chicken breast: Meanwhile, debone and skin the chicken breast. Cut it crosswise into slices about 6-7 mm thick. Here it is important to use a sharp knife to achieve even cuts.

2. Tenderize the meat: Use a wooden board to gently pound the chicken breast slices to make them more tender. This step not only helps to tenderize the meat but also allows the seasonings to penetrate better.

3. Season: Sprinkle the chicken breast slices with pepper, paprika, and chicken seasoning. You can also add a little salt, but I recommend using it sparingly, as the ham is already salty. Brush each piece of meat with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking on the grill.

Step 3: Cooking the meat

1. Heat the grill: Place a non-stick grill or pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the slices of ham. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they become slightly crispy.

2. Cook the chicken breast: After the ham is ready, add the chicken breast slices to the same pan. Cook them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden and well cooked. Check if they are cooked through by cutting a piece in the middle; the meat should be white, with no traces of pink.

Step 4: Serving

1. Assemble the plate: Once the meat and vegetables are ready, take a large plate and arrange the sautéed vegetables on one corner, and on the other corner place the slices of chicken breast and ham.

2. Garnish: Sprinkle a few sprigs of fresh parsley and some sliced garlic lengthwise for added flavor. You can also add slices of red pepper for extra color.

3. Enjoy: This recipe can be served plain or with a side of rice or mashed potatoes. A fresh green salad can add a pleasant contrast and complete the meal.

Useful tips

- Fresh ingredients are key: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables to achieve the best flavors.
- Vary the spices: You can try different spices to give a twist to the recipe, such as curry or Italian herbs.
- The grill: If you have an outdoor grill, don't hesitate to use it. The smoky flavor will add a special touch to the dish.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! This recipe is also delicious with turkey or pork.

2. How can I make the recipe healthier?
Reducing the amount of olive oil and using low-carb vegetables, such as zucchini and mushrooms, can make the dish lighter.

3. What drinks pair well?
A dry white wine or a lemon elderflower cocktail are excellent options to accompany this dish.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. Additionally, vegetables provide a rich supply of vitamins and minerals, helping to maintain a balanced diet. This recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious, with approximately 350 calories per serving, depending on the exact quantities and ingredients used.

I invite you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 1 chicken breast, 250 g boiled and smoked bacon or ham, 1 tomato, 2 yellow/red bell peppers, 2 carrots, 1 onion, 100 g zucchini, 150 g mushrooms, 4-5 cloves of garlic, a few sprigs of parsley, chicken seasoning, 5 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika