Basque chicken
Delicious Basquaise Chicken Recipe
Basquaise chicken is a recipe that brings a touch of sunshine to your plate, combining the intense flavors of fresh vegetables with tender chicken juice. This dish is perfect for serving on cool days or when you want to impress family or friends with a tasty meal. So, get ready to discover how to cook an appetizing Basquaise chicken, step by step.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken thighs with back (approximately 800 g)
- 150 g of dried ham (or prosciutto)
- 2 red bell peppers
- 2 yellow bell peppers
- 3 onions (medium size)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 250 ml dry white wine
- 1 kg fresh tomatoes (or 2 cans of tomatoes in juice)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped thyme (about 1 teaspoon)
- Olive oil (3-4 tablespoons)
- Paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Necessary utensils:
- Wok or a deep frying pan
- Kitchen knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Bowl for chopped ingredients
Preparation:
Step 1: Preparing the peppers
Start by roasting the bell peppers. You can place them directly on the stove flame or in a preheated oven at 200°C. Turn them occasionally until the skin becomes blackened and peels off easily. Then, place them in a plastic bag or aluminum foil and let them cool. This will help in removing the skin. Once cooled, peel them and cut them into strips.
Step 2: Preparing the chicken
Meanwhile, cut the chicken thighs into smaller pieces so they cook evenly. You can use a sharp knife for this. Season the meat with salt, pepper, chopped thyme, and paprika to enhance the flavor.
Step 3: Cooking the chicken
In a wok, heat the olive oil over high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes until golden. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
Step 4: Cooking the vegetables
In the same wok, add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and tender. Then, add the garlic slices and the sliced ham. Continue to cook for 5 minutes until the flavors combine.
Step 5: Adding the wine and peppers
Pour the dry white wine over the vegetable and ham mixture. Let it simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the alcohol evaporates slightly and the flavors concentrate.
Step 6: Adding the tomatoes
Add the roasted pepper strips and the peeled tomatoes, cut into pieces, or if using canned tomatoes, add them directly to the sauce. Mix well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 7: Finishing the dish
Put the chicken pieces back into the wok, cover with a lid, and let it simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally. If you notice the sauce reducing too much, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of water to maintain the desired consistency. When the chicken is tender and well-cooked, taste and add salt and pepper to preference.
Step 8: Serving
Basquaise chicken is delicious served hot, alongside a side of rice or mashed potatoes. You can also opt for a fresh green salad to balance the intense flavors.
Useful tips:
- Choosing the meat: Make sure to use chicken thighs with bones, as they add more flavor to the sauce.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the chicken with tofu or vegetables like eggplant and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
- The wine: Choose a quality dry white wine, as it will influence the final taste of the dish.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, Basquaise chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Nutritional benefits:
Chicken is an excellent source of protein, while bell peppers and tomatoes are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy, contributing to a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but the cooking time will be shorter.
2. What other side dishes go well?
Rice, pasta, or polenta are all excellent options to accompany this dish.
3. How can I make the sauce spicier?
You can add fresh chili peppers or chili flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
Serving suggestion:
For an extra touch of elegance, you can sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to add a note of freshness. Serve with a glass of dry white wine, and the meal will become a true celebration of flavors.
Now it's time to get cooking! With each step, you'll get closer to a savory Basquaise chicken that will leave all your guests impressed. Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 3 chicken thighs with back 150 g of dried ham 2 red bell peppers 2 yellow bell peppers 3 onions 3-4 cloves of garlic 250 ml of dry white wine 1 kg of tomatoes or two cans of tomatoes in juice 1 bay leaf salt pepper crushed thyme olive oil paprika
