The Story Behind This Delightful Dish
Imagine a meal that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors, bringing the warmth of home cooking to your dinner table. This chicken skillet recipe is more than just a meal – it’s a culinary journey that combines tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and a rich, herb-infused sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients (US and Metric Measurements)
For the Chicken:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken breast
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
For the Potatoes:
- 6 medium potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 30g (2 tablespoons) butter
For the Sauce and Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Kapia peppers (or red bell peppers), chopped
- 100g (3.5 oz) cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken breast with salt and pepper
- Coat lightly in flour
- Heat oil in a large skillet
- Cook chicken 4 minutes per side until golden
- Remove and set aside
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Cut potatoes into wedges
- Toss with olive oil and butter
- Cook in the same skillet for 8 minutes on high heat
- Remove and set aside
- Create the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic for 4 minutes
- Add Kapia peppers and cherry tomatoes
- Pour in tomato puree and water
- Add herbs and salt
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes
- Assemble and Finish:
- Return chicken and potatoes to the skillet
- Top with mozzarella cheese
- Bake in preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes
- Garnish with fresh parsley
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use a cast-iron skillet for best heat distribution
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning for crispier exterior
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking
Delicious Variations and Substitutions
- Use chicken thighs for a more tender result
- Substitute mozzarella with goat cheese or cheddar
- Add zucchini or eggplant to the vegetable mix
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Prepare components in advance, but bake just before serving for best texture.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Use cornstarch instead of flour to make it gluten-free.
Q: What can I serve with this? A: A light salad or crusty bread complements this dish perfectly.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken? A: Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Q: How do I know the chicken is fully cooked? A: Internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F)
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days
- Reheat in oven at 160°C (320°F) to maintain crispy texture
- Not recommended for freezing due to sauce consistency
A one-pan meal that promises to become a family favorite – simple, delicious, and absolutely satisfying!
