Peas with chicken

Delicious Pea Dish with Chicken and Bacon

It's time to enjoy the flavors of autumn, even in the middle of winter! Today we will prepare a delicious and comforting recipe for pea dish with chicken that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Using green peas, freshly frozen and carefully harvested from our own garden, we will create a savory dish, perfect for lunch or dinner. This recipe has a special touch thanks to wrapping the chicken in bacon, giving it an irresistible flavor and a crispy texture.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (preferably with bone, for a more intense flavor)
- 7-8 thin slices of bacon (use smoked bacon for extra flavor)
- 800 g green peas (frozen or fresh)
- 1 large onion (white or yellow)
- 300 g cherry tomatoes (or regular tomatoes, diced)
- ½ cup tomato juice (natural tomato juice, without additives)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Olive oil (for frying)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by washing the chicken thighs under cold water. This step is essential to clean the meat well. Place the thighs in a pot with cold water and bring to a boil. Let them boil for a few minutes until they become firm to the touch. Do not cook them completely; we want them to remain juicy.

2. Wrapping in bacon: Remove the thighs from the water and let them cool slightly. Then, take each piece of meat and wrap it in the slices of bacon. This will not only add flavor but will also keep the chicken moist during cooking.

3. Preparing the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place a piece of aluminum foil in a baking dish large enough to wrap all the thighs. Place the bacon-wrapped thighs in the dish, drizzling them with a little olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste.

4. Packing the chicken: Wrap the thighs in the remaining aluminum foil, creating a compact packet. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly and retain its juiciness.

5. Cooking the chicken: Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. This time will allow the bacon to become crispy and the chicken to absorb the flavors.

6. Preparing the pea sauce: While the chicken is cooking, take a frying pan and add a little olive oil. The next step is simple but essential: chop the onion and sauté it in the pan until it becomes golden and translucent. This will add a special flavor to the entire dish.

7. Adding the peas: After the onion has been sautéed, add the peas and enough cold water to cover them. Let it simmer over medium heat until the peas are almost cooked and the water has reduced. This will take about 10-15 minutes.

8. The final combination: After the chicken has been in the oven for 30 minutes, carefully remove the tray. Gently open the aluminum foil (be careful not to burn yourself). Add the cooked peas, whole or halved cherry tomatoes, tomato juice, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.

9. Finishing cooking: Put the tray back in the oven and let it bake for another 30 minutes. You will notice how the sauce thickens and the flavors intensify. Your home will be filled with inviting aromas!

10. Serving: After the dish is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the pea dish with chicken warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, alongside a seasonal salad or a serving of rice.

Suggestions and variations:
- Vary the vegetables: You can add carrots or red peppers for an extra splash of color and flavor.
- Alternative bacon: If you want a healthier option, you can replace the bacon with slices of ham or go meatless.
- Add spices: A teaspoon of paprika or oregano can add an even more complex flavor to the dish.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken and contains many vitamins and minerals from the peas. Peas are rich in fiber, aiding digestion and supporting heart health. Additionally, tomatoes are a good source of antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas, but make sure they are well cooked before adding them to the recipe.

2. How can I store leftovers?
This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or fresh lemonade are excellent choices to accompany this pea dish with chicken.

Dream of a tasty and comforting meal, full of flavors and colors, that will bring joy to your home. This simple recipe for peas with chicken is perfect for any occasion and will surely become a favorite in your family. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, 7-8 thin slices of bacon, about 800g green peas, 1 onion, 300g cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup tomato juice, salt and freshly ground pepper, bay leaves, olive oil

 Tags:  peas with chicken pea food