Chicken is one of the most versatile and accessible proteins in the kitchen, and its neutral flavor allows for endless combinations and variations. Below, we present three chicken recipes that are perfect for different occasions, from a family meal to a more elaborate dinner. These recipes combine classic flavors with innovative touches that will make you enjoy this popular ingredient even more.
1. Honey Lemon Mustard Chicken
This recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. The combination of mustard and honey creates a delicious sweet and sour mixture that, together with the fresh touch of lemon, results in a balanced and tasty dish.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons of honey
The juice of a lemon
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation:
Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix the mustard, honey, lemon juice and chopped garlic cloves. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a tray and cover with the marinade, making sure that the pieces are well coated. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so that the flavors penetrate the meat.
Cooking the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Then lower the heat to medium and cover the pan to allow the chicken to finish cooking inside, an additional 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breasts.
Serving: Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add a touch of color and freshness.
Side dish suggestions:
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
2. Baked Chicken with Potatoes and Vegetables
This baked chicken recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a comforting meal. The chicken is slowly cooked along with potatoes and vegetables, soaking up all the juices and creating a complete meal in one pan.
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
6 medium potatoes cut into pieces
3 carrots cut into slices
2 onions cut into quarters
4 cloves of crushed garlic
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons olive oil
The juice of a lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth or water
Preparation:
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 200°C.
Prepare the chicken and vegetables: Place the chicken on a large baking sheet. Arrange the potatoes, carrots and onions around the chicken. Add the garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs.
Seasoning: Drizzle the chicken and vegetables with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Add liquid: Pour chicken broth or water into the bottom of the pan to keep it moist while the chicken cooks.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and cook for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; it should reach an internal temperature of 75°C.
Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve alongside the vegetables and potatoes.
Variations:
You can experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano to change the flavor profile. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
3. Thai Chicken with Coconut Milk and Curry
For lovers of exotic flavours, this Thai-style chicken recipe with coconut milk and curry is an excellent choice. The combination of curry, coconut and fresh herbs makes this dish an explosion of flavours that transports you to Thailand.
Ingredients:
500 grams of diced chicken breast
1 can of coconut milk (400 ml)
2 tablespoons red curry paste
1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
1 onion cut into strips
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 small piece of grated ginger (about 2 cm)
1 red pepper cut into strips
1 carrot cut into thin slices
1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon brown sugar
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Juice of 1 lime
Jasmine rice to accompany
Preparation:
Cooking the chicken: Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and brown lightly on all sides, then remove from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the vegetables: In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, ginger, bell pepper and carrot. Cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the curry paste and coconut milk: Add the curry paste to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to mix well with the vegetables. Pour in the coconut milk and mix well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cooking the chicken in the sauce: Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until fully cooked and has absorbed the flavours of the curry and coconut. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water or stock.
Adjust the flavor: Add the fish sauce (if using), brown sugar, and lime juice. Taste and adjust the salt or acidity level if necessary.
Serving: Serve the chicken with the sauce over a bed of jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a little more lime juice if desired.
Advice:
For a spicier version, you can add sliced fresh chillies when cooking the vegetables, or adjust the amount of curry paste.
Chicken is a very versatile ingredient that allows for the creation of varied dishes for different occasions. These three recipes demonstrate how, with basic ingredients and a few special touches, you can transform a simple chicken breast into a delicious meal, whether it's the simplicity of a mustard chicken, the comfort of a baked chicken with potatoes or the exotic flavours of a Thai curry.
Feel free to experiment with quantities and ingredients to adapt these recipes to your personal tastes. Enjoy each dish and surprise your family and friends with these delicious dishes!