Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner recipe that the whole family will love? Look no further! Chicken Gloria is a delightful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe delivers a burst of fresh flavors, combining tender chicken with a vibrant, zesty sauce. It’s a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can be both delicious and efficient, offering a welcome alternative to takeout or processed meals. Get ready to impress your family with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or tortillas, for serving
Instructions:
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Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
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Sauté Vegetables: Add onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Sauce: Add diced tomatoes (both cans), chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
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Combine and Cook: Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Finish the Dish: Stir in heavy cream, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Gloria:
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of lime juice, cumin, and chili powder for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the chicken. Work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a longer period to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
Variations:
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
- Spice it up: For a spicier kick, add a jalapeño pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Make it creamy: Use a combination of heavy cream and sour cream for an extra rich and creamy sauce.
- Protein swap: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
Serve your Chicken Gloria hot over rice or with warm tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends and family. Enjoy!