Celery dish with chicken

Celery Chicken Dish

This celery chicken dish recipe is an excellent choice for a healthy lunch or dinner, full of flavors and nutrients. Celery, often an underestimated ingredient, reveals its taste in this delicious combination, perfectly blending with juicy chicken, carrots, and white wine. Get ready to discover a simple yet captivating recipe that will impress all your loved ones.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 500 g celery
- 1 carrot
- 1 bell pepper (capia or gogoșar)
- 2-3 onions
- 3-4 tomatoes
- 1 lemon
- 150-200 g olives
- Olive oil (to taste)
- 3 bay leaves
- Pepper (to taste)
- Ground thyme (to taste)
- A pinch of honey
- 1 glass of white wine
- Chopped fresh parsley for decoration

Nutritional information (per serving)

- Calories: approximately 320 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling the celery and carrot. Wash them well under cold running water. Cut the celery and carrot into cubes of about 1 cm. These sizes will ensure even cooking and a pleasant texture.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, add olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the celery and carrot cubes and sauté them for 5-7 minutes until golden. This is when the flavors intensify, so don’t skip this step! Once browned, remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

3. Preparing the chicken: Wash the chicken thighs well and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help achieve a crispy crust. In the same skillet, add a little more oil (if necessary) and fry the chicken thighs on each side for 5-6 minutes until golden. Remove them and place them on paper towels.

4. Onions and spices: Peel the onion and chop it finely or slice it thinly. In a pot, add a little olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. For added flavor, add a pinch of honey and a little boiling water or meat/vegetable broth. This will help caramelize the onion and provide a sweet taste.

5. Adding the ingredients: Once the onion has softened, add the bell pepper cubes, olives, chicken thighs, lemon slices, and diced tomatoes. Then, add the sautéed celery and carrot, bay leaves, and white wine. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little meat or vegetable broth. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme to taste.

6. Baking: Transfer everything to a baking dish or leave it in the pot you cooked in. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven at 180°C for about 30-40 minutes. You will know it’s ready when the chicken is tender, the vegetables are cooked, and the flavors have blended.

7. Serving: Once the dish is ready, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for added freshness. This celery chicken dish pairs perfectly with a side of rice or fresh bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Practical tips

- Meat alternatives: If you don’t have chicken, you can try turkey or even pork. Make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat chosen.
- Alternative vegetables: You can also add other vegetables, such as potatoes or zucchini, to diversify the recipe.
- White wine: Choose a dry white wine that isn’t too sweet, so it doesn’t alter the final taste of the dish.
- Parsley: If you don’t have parsley, you can use dill or fresh basil for another interesting flavor.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen celery?: Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish.
- How can I make the recipe spicier?: Add hot peppers or chili flakes during cooking for a spicy kick.
- What is the ideal cooking method for chicken?: Sear it first in a skillet to achieve a crispy crust, then bake it to keep it juicy.

Conclusion

This celery chicken dish is not only a healthy meal but also a culinary experience that combines simple and natural flavors. Ideal for families or a meal with friends, this recipe will surely bring a smile to the faces of those who savor it. So, get ready to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal, perfect for any occasion!

 Ingredients: 500 g celery, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper (capia or gogoșar), 2-3 onions, 3-4 tomatoes, 1 lemon, 150-200 g olives, olive oil, 3 bay leaves, pepper, ground thyme, a pinch of honey, a glass of white wine, fresh parsley.