Savory Chicken and Vegetable Simmer Recipe

This recipe for savory chicken and vegetables simmered in a rich tomato sauce is a delightful and nutritious meal that combines tender chicken with hearty vegetables and aromatic herbs. The marinade adds depth of flavor to the chicken, while the vegetables contribute freshness and texture. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

  • Chicken breast: Cut into slices for quick cooking.
  • Onion: Finely chopped.
  • Carrot: Peeled and sliced.
  • Celery root: Peeled and diced.
  • Tomato sauce: 50 ml to enrich the dish.
  • Parsley: Chopped for fresh flavor.
  • Canned peas: Drained, for added texture and sweetness.
  • Oil and olive oil: For marinating and cooking.
  • Salt, pepper, dried spices, and paprika: For seasoning.
  • Flour: For coating the chicken.
  • Water: 300 ml, to create a simmering sauce.

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
    • In a bowl, mix oil, olive oil, salt, pepper, dried spices, and paprika. Add the chicken slices and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator, ideally overnight, to enhance the flavors.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables:
    • Cut the onion, carrot, and celery root into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
  3. Cook the Chicken:
    • Lightly coat the marinated chicken slices in flour, shaking off any excess.
    • Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the onion, carrot, and celery root for about 10 minutes, or until they start to soften.
  5. Simmer:
    • Pour in the tomato sauce and add 300 ml of water. Stir well to combine and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
    • Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to finish cooking.
  6. Add Final Ingredients:
    • Stir in the canned peas and chopped parsley. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the peas to heat through and the parsley to impart its fresh flavor.
  7. Serve:
    • Once everything is cooked through and the flavors are well combined, adjust seasonings if necessary and serve hot.

Tips for Success:

  • Marinating Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight will deeply infuse it with flavors, but if short on time, even 30 minutes can make a difference.
  • Simmering: Keep the simmer gentle to ensure that the chicken remains tender and the vegetables don’t lose their texture.
  • Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can dissolve a tablespoon of cornstarch in a small amount of cold water and add it to the simmering sauce, stirring well until thickened.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this hearty chicken and vegetable dish over a bed of steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside fresh crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish not only offers comforting flavors but also packs a nutritious punch, making it a perfect dinner any night of the week.

Flavor Enhancements:

  • Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for added depth. Adding a touch of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor, while a pinch of cayenne adds heat.
  • Wine Addition: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after sautéing the vegetables and before adding the tomato sauce. This introduces an additional layer of flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables beautifully.

Dietary Adaptations:

  • Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of regular flour for coating the chicken.
  • Low-Carb: Reduce the carb content by omitting the flour coating and replacing higher-carb vegetables like peas and carrots with greens such as spinach or kale, added towards the end of cooking to retain their color and nutrients.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

  • Slow Cooker: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Simply add all ingredients (except peas and parsley) to the slow cooker after sautéing the vegetables and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the peas and parsley before serving.
  • Pressure Cooker: Reduce cooking time by using a pressure cooker. After sautéing the vegetables in the pot, add the remaining ingredients and cook under high pressure for about 8-10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Starch Alternatives: Serve the dish with a variety of starches such as quinoa, couscous, or a rustic whole grain bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Garnishing: Garnish with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon for extra zing, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a touch of richness.

Presentation Tips:

  • Individual Bowls: Serve in shallow bowls with garnishes placed artistically on top, enhancing the visual appeal and making each serving special.
  • Family Style: Present the dish in a large serving bowl or dish, allowing everyone to help themselves. This encourages a communal and interactive dining experience.

Storage and Reuse:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions in suitable containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
  • Repurpose: Transform leftovers into a new meal by shredding the chicken and using the mixture as a filling for wraps, tacos, or as a hearty pie filling.

Enjoy the warmth and richness of this savory chicken dish, ideal for family dinners or when you need a comforting and satisfying meal.