Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner recipe that's also gluten-free? Look no further! This easy chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is easily adaptable to your taste preferences. Forget complicated cooking; this recipe is all about simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a truly satisfying meal. It's packed with flavour and is guaranteed to become a family favourite. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp.
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Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
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Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve hot. This delicious chicken dish is perfect served with rice, quinoa, or your favorite gluten-free side.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When browning the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken browns properly and doesn't steam.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs and spices to your liking. A dash of red pepper flakes would add a nice kick!
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots to this recipe. Just add them along with the bell peppers.
- Make it a one-pot meal: For an even easier cleanup, you can cook this entire recipe in a slow cooker. Simply brown the chicken as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favourite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with the herbs for a brighter, citrusy flavour.
- Creamy Chicken: Stir in a ½ cup of gluten-free cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This simple chicken recipe is a perfect example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be. It's a great option for a healthy weeknight meal and is easily adaptable to your own tastes and preferences. Enjoy!