Cayenne Pepper Chicken Breast with Quinoa Side

Chicken breast with Cayenne Chili Pepper and quinoa side dish: a spicy, flavorful delicacy

I invite you to discover a delicious and healthy recipe, perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests at a special meal. This recipe for chicken breast with Cayenne Chili Pepper, served alongside a quinoa side dish, combines intense and spicy flavors with fine textures, offering you an unforgettable culinary experience.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total: 70 minutes
Number of servings: 4

About the recipe

The recipe for chicken breast with Cayenne Chili Pepper is an inspired choice for those who love spicy flavors and health. Quinoa, considered a superfood, is rich in protein and fiber, making this dish a nutritionally balanced meal.

Some nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g

Ingredients

- 1 large chicken breast
- 125 g pitted black olives
- 2 medium onions
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne Chili Pepper Kotany
- 1 teaspoon thyme Kotany
- 150 ml white wine
- 1 bay leaf
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 1 medium carrot
- 300 ml Cirio tomato pulp
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1 1/2 cups meat broth (or water)
- salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step by step

Step 1: Preparing the chicken breast

Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin pieces. This will allow the marinating to happen faster and will help the meat cook evenly. Tip: If you don't have a very sharp knife, you can use plastic wrap to cover the breast and gently pound it with a meat mallet, thereby uniforming the thickness.

Step 2: Marinating

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Cayenne Chili Pepper and salt on the chicken slices. Cover them with plastic wrap and let them chill for 30 minutes. This marinating will intensify the chicken's flavor and add a bit of heat to the dish.

Step 3: Preparing the vegetables

Peel and finely chop the onions. Peel the carrot and grate it with a small-hole grater to soften it faster. Finely chop or crush the garlic.

Step 4: Cooking the vegetables

In a non-stick pan, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot and sauté for 2 minutes until they become slightly translucent. This will add a pleasant sweetness to the dish.

Step 5: Cooking the chicken

Add the chicken slices to the pan, along with the white wine, the bay leaf torn into pieces, and the chopped thyme. Sprinkle a little salt and, if you want a spicier flavor, an extra dash of Cayenne Chili Pepper. Let everything simmer on low heat, covered, for 15-20 minutes. Helpful tips: Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving. A kitchen thermometer can be a valuable tool; the meat should reach an internal temperature of 75°C.

Step 6: Adding the tomatoes and olives

After 20 minutes, add the tomato pulp and the halved olives. Let it simmer for a few more minutes, and the flavors will combine and intensify.

Step 7: Preparing the quinoa

Meanwhile, rinse the quinoa in several cold waters to remove the saponins, which can give a bitter taste. In a separate pot, bring the meat broth (or water) to a boil, then add the quinoa. Use a 1:1.5 ratio, meaning 1/2 cup of quinoa to 1 1/2 cups of broth. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes until the quinoa has expanded and becomes fluffy. Variation: If you want to add extra flavor, you can cook the quinoa in vegetable or chicken broth.

Step 8: Serving

Once the chicken is cooked and the quinoa is fluffy, it’s time to plate. Serve the chicken breast slices with the vegetable and olive sauce alongside the quinoa pilaf. Serving suggestion: You can garnish the plate with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves, adding a splash of color and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Sure! This recipe can be adapted for turkey or even fish, which will cook faster.

2. What other side dishes can I use?
You can replace quinoa with rice, bulgur, or grilled vegetables for a different option.

3. How can I reduce the spiciness?
You can reduce the amount of Cayenne Chili Pepper or even omit this ingredient, replacing it with herbs like basil or oregano.

4. How long can I keep the leftovers?
The dish keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion

This recipe for chicken breast with Cayenne Chili Pepper and quinoa side dish is not only delicious but also a healthy choice, full of nutrients. So, invite your friends or family to the table and enjoy the perfectly blended flavors.

Don’t forget to experiment with variations and put your personal touch on the recipe! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 large chicken breast 125 g pitted black olives 2 onions 1 teaspoon chili cayenne pepper Kotany 1 teaspoon thyme Kotany 150 ml white wine 1 bay leaf 3-4 cloves of garlic 1 carrot 300 ml Cirio tomato pulp 1/2 cup quinoa 1 1/2 cups meat broth salt 2 tablespoons olive oil