Chicken breast with gratinated tomatoes

Chicken Breast with Gratinated Tomatoes – A Delicacy Cooked with Love

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Welcome to the world of flavors and the joy of cooking! Today, I will share with you a simple and quick recipe that is extremely tasty: chicken breast with gratinated tomatoes. It is a dish that combines the juiciness of chicken with the freshness of tomatoes and the flavor of cheese, all together, to create a savory meal that will delight even the most discerning palates.

A Brief History of the Recipe

This recipe for chicken breast with gratinated tomatoes has deep roots in culinary traditions, being a popular choice in numerous cultures. Gratinating is a cooking technique that has its origins in preparing dishes with melted cheese, often associated with comfort and family meals. The combination of chicken meat with fresh tomatoes and cheese makes this dish not only tasty but also nutritious, with benefits that we will explore later.

Ingredients

- 2 chicken breasts (approximately 400-500 g)
- 1 large ripe tomato
- 100 g cheese
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Butter for greasing the baking dish

Details about the Ingredients

- Chicken breast: Choose fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breast for juicy meat. You can also opt for organic chicken breast, which is tastier and healthier.
- Tomatoes: Use ripe, seasonal tomatoes for a sweet and aromatic flavor. Cherry tomatoes or Romanian varieties are excellent for this dish.
- Cheese: Choose a quality cheese that melts well. Smoked cheese can add a distinct flavor note to this dish.

Necessary Utensils

- Frying pan or grill
- Baking dish
- Grater for cheese
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula

Step-by-Step Cooking Technique

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the chicken breast well under cold running water. Then, dry it with a paper towel. Cut the meat in 3-4 places on each piece to allow the spices to penetrate and ensure even cooking.

2. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on both sides of the chicken breast. If you want to add an extra flavor note, you can also use spices like sweet paprika or oregano.

3. Grilling: Heat the grill or a frying pan over medium heat. Place the chicken breast on the grill and let it cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken breast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C and has a slightly golden crust.

4. Preparing for the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. Place the cooked chicken breast in the dish.

5. Adding tomatoes and cheese: Slice the tomato into thin rounds and arrange them evenly on top of the chicken breast. Using the grater, add a generous layer of cheese on top of the tomatoes.

6. Gratinating: Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.

7. Serving: Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool slightly before serving. I recommend serving this dish warm, accompanied by a fresh cabbage salad or a side of steamed vegetables.

Serving Suggestions and Combinations

To complement this dish, a cabbage salad is an excellent choice, providing a crunchy texture and a note of freshness. You can also add a serving of rice or mashed potatoes to turn the meal into a feast. A glass of dry white wine or a fruit cocktail can enhance the culinary experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken breast?: Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking for even results.

2. What other vegetables can I add?: Asparagus or zucchini cut into rounds are excellent options.

3. How can I make the recipe easier to digest?: Replace the cheese with feta cheese or a lower-fat cheese variety.

4. What are the nutritional benefits of this dish?: Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, and tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin C and potassium.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of chicken breast with gratinated tomatoes (without sides) has approximately 350 calories, depending on the amount of cheese used. This dish offers a good amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy choice for everyday meals.

Possible Variations

To customize your recipe, you can add herbs like basil or thyme, which pair perfectly with tomatoes. You can also try replacing the cheese with mozzarella for a softer texture or goat cheese for a distinct flavor.

I hope this recipe for chicken breast with gratinated tomatoes has inspired you to step into the kitchen and enjoy the resulting dish. Remember, cooking is an art and a joy, so don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own touches. Enjoy your meal!