Chicken with vegetables recipe
Today, in Spain from the Cuisine, we going to learn to elaborate one of the most typical Spanish recipe, the Chicken with vegetables recipe or “Pollo a la Jardinera” in Spanish.
The origin of the dish “pollo a la jardinera” (chicken with vegetables) is not well documented and its exact origin is unclear. It is believed to have originated in Spain and is a popular dish in Latin American countries, where it has been adapted and modified to include local ingredients and cooking methods. The dish typically consists of chicken simmered with an assortment of vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, in a flavorful sauce. The name “pollo a la jardinera” may refer to the assortment of garden vegetables used in the dish. However, the exact origin of the name is also uncertain.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- Other vegetables like carrots, peas, etc
- 1 cup of white wine
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Ingredient substitutions for chicken with vegetables recipe
Here are some notes and ingredient substitutions for “pollo a la jardinera” (chicken with vegetables):
Notes:
- This dish is a classic Spanish recipe that is commonly prepared with chicken and an assortment of vegetables.
- The vegetables can be adjusted to your preference or what you have on hand. Some common additions include carrots, potatoes, and zucchini.
- The sauce can be made thicker by adding cornstarch or a roux.
- The dish is typically served hot with crusty bread or over rice.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Chicken: If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts.
- Bell peppers: You can use any color of bell pepper that you prefer or have on hand.
- White wine: If you prefer, you can use chicken broth or white wine vinegar instead.
- Paprika: You can use smoked paprika for added depth of flavor.
- Thyme: If you don’t have dried thyme, you can use dried basil or oregano instead.
Directions of chicken with vegetables recipe
Here is a detailed recipe for “pollo a la jardinera” (chicken with vegetables):
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
- Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the pan, making sure it is fully immersed in the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve the chicken and vegetables hot with crusty bread or over rice. Enjoy!
Tips for chicken with vegetables recipe
Here are some tips for making a great “pollo a la jardinera” (chicken with vegetables):
- Use high-quality ingredients: Start with fresh, ripe vegetables and good quality chicken to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Brown the chicken: Make sure to brown the chicken on both sides before adding it to the sauce. This will help to develop a deeper flavor and will also help to keep the chicken from becoming too dry.
- Cook the vegetables properly: Cook the vegetables until they are tender and slightly caramelized. This will bring out their natural sweetness and help to build depth of flavor in the dish.
- Use the right pan: Choose a large, heavy-bottomed pan to cook the dish in. This will help to distribute heat evenly and prevent the chicken from burning.
- Stir occasionally: While the chicken is cooking in the sauce, be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer slowly: After the chicken and vegetables are added to the sauce, let the dish simmer slowly over low heat. This will help to develop the flavors and ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly and remains tender.
- Season to taste: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
Suggestions for serving
Here are some suggestions for serving “pollo a la jardinera” (chicken with vegetables):
- With Rice: Serve the chicken and vegetables over a bed of steaming white rice.
- With Crusty Bread: Serve the dish with a warm, crusty loaf of bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- As a Main Course: Serve the dish as a main course, accompanied by a simple green salad and a glass of white wine.
- With Pasta: Serve the chicken and vegetables over your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine or spaghetti.
- With Potatoes: Serve the dish with boiled or roasted potatoes, which will complement the flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
- With Grilled Vegetables: Serve the chicken with a side of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus, for a colorful and healthy meal.
- With a Salad: Serve the dish with a fresh green salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
FAQs
Here are some possible frequently asked questions (FAQs) about making “pollo a la jardinera” (chicken with vegetables):
- Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use chicken thighs, legs, or drumsticks instead of chicken breasts.
- Can I use different vegetables in this recipe? Yes, you can use any vegetables that you like or have on hand. Some popular options include carrots, onions, potatoes, and zucchini.
- Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried thyme? Yes, you can use fresh thyme instead of dried thyme. Simply use double the amount called for in the recipe.
- How long does it take to cook the chicken in the sauce? It typically takes 20-25 minutes to cook the chicken in the sauce over medium-low heat.
- Can I make the sauce thicker? Yes, you can make the sauce thicker by whisking in a mixture of cornstarch and water or by adding a roux.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Can I freeze the dish for later? Yes, you can freeze the dish for later. Simply allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to three months.