Are you tired of the same old chicken breast recipes? Craving something flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe for chicken breast with a vibrant red sauce is a quick dinner idea that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's healthy, delicious, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. This easy recipe elevates simple chicken breast into a truly delicious dish, perfect for homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This simple step enhances the flavor significantly.
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Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step helps to lock in the juices and develop a nice crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
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Add Chicken and Broth: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce.
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Braising the Chicken: Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Spoon the delicious red sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, like pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
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Don't overcrowd the pan: When searing the chicken, make sure you don't overcrowd the pan. This will help ensure that the chicken browns properly and doesn't steam. Work in batches if necessary.
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Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, herbs, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
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Thicker sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes after the chicken is cooked.
Variations:
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Add vegetables: Enhance your dish by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce while simmering.
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Spice it up: For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
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Creamy sauce: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This easy chicken breast recipe with red sauce is a versatile and delicious option for a quick and healthy meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!