Tired of complicated recipes and endless cleanup? Craving a healthy and delicious meal that's ready in under an hour? Then this Spring Simmer Pot is your answer! This easy recipe is bursting with fresh spring vegetables and tender chicken, all simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest – quick, easy, and unbelievably satisfying. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, making it a go-to for quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup peas
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a fantastic flavor base for your delicious dish.
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Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This ensures a richer flavor and texture.
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Add the Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth, add the thyme and rosemary, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Don't overcook the vegetables; you want them to retain some bite.
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Add the Finishing Touches: Stir in the asparagus, broccoli, and peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. These spring vegetables add a beautiful color and fresh flavor to the simmer pot.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This healthy meal is perfect on its own or served with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Spring Simmer Pot:
- Use fresh vegetables: The fresher the vegetables, the better the flavor of your Spring Simmer Pot.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Cook until it's just cooked through.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs, salt, and pepper to your liking.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other spring vegetables like green beans, spinach, or zucchini.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Spring Simmer Pot: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Spring Simmer Pot: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Vegetarian Spring Simmer Pot: Omit the chicken and add 1 cup of cooked lentils or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option. This creates a fantastic easy recipe adaptable to various dietary needs.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Fat: Approximately 10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20g
This Spring Simmer Pot is a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the best of spring produce. It's a healthy, delicious, and easy meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's among the best recipes for a quick and satisfying dinner, a testament to the beauty of simple, homemade cooking. Enjoy!