Chicken breast with tomato sauce
Recipe: Chicken Breast with Tomato Sauce
Total time: 40 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
I invite you to discover a delicious and comforting recipe: chicken breast with tomato sauce, a perfect combination of flavors that will delight your taste buds. This simple recipe is easy to prepare and can be served alongside your favorite side dish, whether it's rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Required ingredients
- 500 g boneless chicken breast
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 50 ml olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 500 ml tomato juice
- Fresh or dried basil, for flavor
Preparing the ingredients
Before you start cooking, it is essential to prepare all your ingredients. Make sure the chicken breast is boneless and cut into equal-sized cubes, so they cook evenly. Peel and slice the garlic thinly, and if using fresh basil, chop it finely.
Step by step: Cooking the chicken breast
1. Heat the oil: In a pan or multicooker, add the oil and let it heat over medium heat. Olive oil is an excellent choice due to its flavors, but you can also use vegetable oil, depending on your preferences.
2. Add the chicken breast: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breast cubes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden on the outside. This step will help seal the juices inside the meat.
3. Include the garlic and bay leaf: Add the garlic slices and bay leaf to the pan. The strong flavor of garlic will give a deep aroma to your sauce. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until the garlic turns golden and starts to release its aroma.
4. Add the tomato paste and juice: Now it's time to add the tomato paste and tomato juice. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. The tomato paste will add depth of flavor, while the tomato juice will provide a rich and creamy sauce.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat and let everything simmer for 20 minutes. This cooking time will allow the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.
6. Season: After 20 minutes, taste the sauce and add salt, pepper, and basil to your liking. Fresh basil will provide a fresh and vibrant taste, but you can also use dried basil if fresh is not available.
Serving
The chicken breast with tomato sauce is served hot, alongside your favorite side dish. Rice and mashed potatoes are excellent choices, but you can also opt for pasta or a fresh salad for a contrast of textures.
Helpful tips
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the tomato sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, simply reheat it and add the chicken breast. This will allow the flavors to develop even further.
- Vegetable option: Add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the sauce to enrich it and provide a pop of color.
- Spicier sauce: If you like spicy food, add chili flakes or a quarter of chopped chili pepper to the sauce.
Nutritional information
This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken breast, and tomatoes provide a significant amount of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. On average, one serving contains about 320 calories, depending on the oil used and the chosen side dish.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use chicken breast with bone? Yes, but the cooking time will be extended. Make sure the meat is well cooked.
- What side dishes pair best? Rice, mashed potatoes, or a green salad are excellent combinations.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this dish can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it within 2-3 months to preserve its taste.
Conclusion
This chicken breast with tomato sauce is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will turn your dinner into a memorable experience. You can experiment with various side dishes and spices to tailor it to your tastes. Whether you prepare it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will not disappoint.
I wish you happy cooking and enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 500 g boneless chicken breast, 1 head of garlic, 1 bay leaf, salt, pepper, 50 ml oil, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 500 ml tomato juice, basil
Tags: chicken breast food tomato sauce chicken stew philips multicooker recipes