Quick 30 minute Chicken Cacciatore
Apr. 20th, 2011 04:00 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cellboyI am or was a pretty good basic cook. After moving away from my Redwood City place, and now lacking space for dining, I have unfortunately not had any dinner parties, nor cooked for many but for mostly me. So I really don't fuss much because I'm cooking for me (I need to start entertaining again!). Anyway, while watching the Biggest Loser on TV, they usually have good cooking tips or even recipes. The quick Chicken Cacciatore was one. I changed it a bit by adding vegetables to the mix.
Cut up 1- 1 -1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast in one inch strips or chunks
Saute chicken, in virgin olive oil until cooked through. Once cooked, remove chicken from pan.
Saute, one small or 1/2 large red onion until caramelized
Add diced mushrooms (I usually get Bella mushrooms (Safeway), or Crimini (Trader Joes). Saute till soft. You could also add dome Bell Peppers.
If you like Garlic, you can now brown slowly 1-3 cloves of diced garlic
Once all sautéed, add chicken back to pan.
Then add 2-3 cans of Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes (I use Safeway brand. They have it with or without garlic. I choose the garlic). I usually use 2-3 cans per pound of chicken.
For extra flavor, instead of sugar, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey.
Mix, cover and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. You may also add a bit a water if you like for extra moisture.
Midway though the simmer, you can sprinkle the top of the mixture with some Grated Parmesan-Romano Cheese
You can serve with rice or pasta, or as a change with Quinoa (Trader Joe's). Takes 10 minutes to make. More nutrition than rice, and tons of protein (vegetarians and body builders, have known about this stuff for years)
http://www.traderjoesfan.com/articles/articles/quinoa:_the_mother_grain/
Easy vegetable side dish.
Since you're already sauteing,
Take Yellow squash, red bell pepper, mushrooms and dice.
And dice the remainder of the unused red onion
Heat olive oil in a pan, and saute slowly all the ingredients. You can add spices to your own taste (pepper, parsley, thyme)
Once sautéed, or when the squash is beginning to brown, add the diced garlic (optional), and saute.
Then add some Baby Spinach (bagged spinach). Add usually 2-3 handfuls to the pan, stir and sauté (as the spinach gets heated it will shrink, so add a lot).
After a couple of minutes, add a few sprinkles of Balsamic Vinegar, for flavor and mix in. You can also add a few sprinkles of sea salt, but the vinegar may be salty enough.
Remove from heat and serve.
With the chicken, Quinoa, and Veggies, you get a full meal (with left overs), all in about 30-45 minutes.
Cut up 1- 1 -1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast in one inch strips or chunks
Saute chicken, in virgin olive oil until cooked through. Once cooked, remove chicken from pan.
Saute, one small or 1/2 large red onion until caramelized
Add diced mushrooms (I usually get Bella mushrooms (Safeway), or Crimini (Trader Joes). Saute till soft. You could also add dome Bell Peppers.
If you like Garlic, you can now brown slowly 1-3 cloves of diced garlic
Once all sautéed, add chicken back to pan.
Then add 2-3 cans of Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes (I use Safeway brand. They have it with or without garlic. I choose the garlic). I usually use 2-3 cans per pound of chicken.
For extra flavor, instead of sugar, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey.
Mix, cover and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. You may also add a bit a water if you like for extra moisture.
Midway though the simmer, you can sprinkle the top of the mixture with some Grated Parmesan-Romano Cheese
You can serve with rice or pasta, or as a change with Quinoa (Trader Joe's). Takes 10 minutes to make. More nutrition than rice, and tons of protein (vegetarians and body builders, have known about this stuff for years)
http://www.traderjoesfan.com/articles/articles/quinoa:_the_mother_grain/
Easy vegetable side dish.
Since you're already sauteing,
Take Yellow squash, red bell pepper, mushrooms and dice.
And dice the remainder of the unused red onion
Heat olive oil in a pan, and saute slowly all the ingredients. You can add spices to your own taste (pepper, parsley, thyme)
Once sautéed, or when the squash is beginning to brown, add the diced garlic (optional), and saute.
Then add some Baby Spinach (bagged spinach). Add usually 2-3 handfuls to the pan, stir and sauté (as the spinach gets heated it will shrink, so add a lot).
After a couple of minutes, add a few sprinkles of Balsamic Vinegar, for flavor and mix in. You can also add a few sprinkles of sea salt, but the vinegar may be salty enough.
Remove from heat and serve.
With the chicken, Quinoa, and Veggies, you get a full meal (with left overs), all in about 30-45 minutes.
