If you’re looking for a delicious and wholesome meal, chicken with tomatoes and onions is a fantastic choice. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor. This recipe combines tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, and caramelized onions for a mouthwatering dish that will satisfy your taste buds.
To start, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: chicken breasts, fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and some basic spices. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a healthier option, or leave the skin on for extra flavor. Fresh tomatoes are recommended, as they add a vibrant and natural sweetness to the dish.
The first step is to sear the chicken in a hot pan with a little oil until it’s golden brown on both sides. This will help to lock in the juices and give the chicken a nice color. Once the chicken is seared, set it aside and sauté the onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. This will create a flavorful base for the dish.
Next, add the tomatoes to the pan and cook until they start to soften and release their juices. This will create a rich and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken. You can add a sprinkle of spices, such as paprika or Italian seasoning, to enhance the flavors even more.
Finally, return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the tomato sauce until it’s cooked through. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy. Serve the chicken with a side of rice or pasta, and you’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal that’s sure to impress!
Step 1: Preparing the chicken
To start making chicken with tomatoes and onions, you will need to prepare the chicken. Follow the steps below:
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
- First, rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Next, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. Rub the seasoning into the chicken to ensure it is evenly coated.
- Once seasoned, set the chicken aside and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This will enhance the flavor.
Note: You can also add additional spices or herbs to the chicken marinade for extra flavor, such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried thyme.
This step is crucial as it helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavors before cooking.
Step 2: Sautéing the onions
After preparing the chicken and tomatoes, it’s time to move on to sautéing the onions. Sautéing is a cooking technique that involves frying food quickly in a small amount of hot oil or fat, creating a lovely brown color and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
To sauté the onions for this chicken dish, follow these steps:
1. Start by preparing the onions:
Peel and slice the onions. You can slice them into thin rounds or dice them, depending on your preference.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet:
Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a generous amount of cooking oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, and allow it to heat up.
3. Sauté the onions:
Add the sliced or diced onions to the hot skillet. Stir them around with a wooden spoon or spatula to ensure they cook evenly. Sauté the onions for about 5-7 minutes or until they become translucent and start to develop a golden-brown color.
Tip: If you prefer caramelized onions, you can continue cooking them for an additional 10-15 minutes on low heat. This will give them a slightly sweeter flavor.
Once the onions are sautéed to your liking, they are ready to be combined with the chicken and tomatoes in the next step of the recipe.
Step 3: Adding the tomatoes
Once the onions have turned golden brown, it’s time to add the tomatoes to the dish. Start by washing and chopping 4 medium-sized tomatoes into small cubes. This will help them cook faster and evenly.
Next, create a space in the center of the pan by moving the onions to the sides. Add the tomatoes to the center of the pan and sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften.
Stir the tomatoes occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. As they cook, their natural juices will start to blend with the onions and create a delicious flavorful base for the chicken.
Adding tomatoes not only enhances the taste of the dish but also adds a vibrant red color to it. The tomatoes will provide a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory notes of the onions and chicken.
Once the tomatoes have softened, you can proceed to the next step of adding the chicken to the pan. Remember to keep stirring occasionally to prevent any sticking or burning.
Step 4: Cooking the chicken and tomatoes together
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to cook it with the tomatoes and onions. This step is where all the flavors come together to create a delicious and aromatic dish.
First, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add some olive oil and let it heat up for a minute or so.
Next, carefully place the marinated chicken pieces in the skillet. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook them for about 2-3 minutes or until they start to soften and become translucent.
Now, add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for another 5 minutes or until the tomatoes start to break down and release their juices.
At this point, you can season the tomatoes and onions with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. Stir everything well to combine.
Finally, place the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet with the tomatoes and onions. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb some of the tomato and onion flavors.
Once the chicken is heated through and the flavors have melded together, remove the skillet from the heat.
Your delicious chicken with tomatoes and onions is now ready to be served. You can garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and serve it with rice or bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Seasoning and serving
Once the chicken, tomatoes, and onions are cooked to perfection, it’s time to add some delicious seasoning and serve the dish.
For seasoning, you can use a variety of herbs and spices to enhance the flavors of the dish. Some popular options include:
1. Salt and pepper:
Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. |
2. Italian seasoning:
Sprinkle some dried Italian seasoning over the dish for a classic Mediterranean flavor. |
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings based on your personal preference.
Once the dish is seasoned, you can serve it hot with a side of rice, pasta, or crusty bread. A garnish of fresh parsley or basil leaves adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Enjoy your delicious chicken with tomatoes and onions!
Q&A
What ingredients do I need to cook chicken with tomatoes and onions?
You will need chicken breasts, tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices.
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken will take longer to cook through.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or seitan for a vegetarian version of this dish. The cooking time may differ, so be sure to adjust accordingly.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.
What can I serve with this chicken dish?
This chicken with tomatoes and onions goes well with rice, pasta, or a side of roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a salad for a lighter meal.