Chicken with tomato sauce

Delicious Chicken with Tomato Sauce recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Discover a savory chicken with tomato sauce recipe, a perfect combination of juicy meat and a flavorful sauce that brings a hint of heat to every plate. This recipe combines culinary tradition with natural ingredients, giving you not only a tasty dish, but also a pleasant cooking experience.

A short story about the recipe
Chicken with tomato sauce is a dish that has spanned generations and is often associated with family dinners, where its enticing aroma brings all the senses together. It is versatile and easily adaptable to everyone's preferences, paying homage to simple but quality ingredients.

Ingredients
- 3 chicken thighs
- 500-600 g fresh tomatoes
- 6-7 cloves garlic
- Tomato paste to taste
- 1 glass white wine
- 1 pinch of honey
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, ground pepper, thyme, basil to taste
- 5 black peppercorns
- 3 coriander seeds
- 2-3 cloves
- 50 g butter
- Freshly chopped apple or parsley, to serve

Helpful ingredient tips
- Chicken: Choose bone-in chicken thighs for a richer flavor, but you can also use chicken breast for a lower-fat option.
- Tomatoes: Use well-ripe tomatoes for a sweeter, more flavorful sauce. You can also opt for canned tomatoes if you don't have access to fresh ones.
- Wine: Choose a dry white wine, which will add a nice acidity to the sauce.
- Spices: Play with spices according to your preferences. You can add herbs like oregano or sage for a different taste.

Preparation techniques
1. Preparing the chicken: Start by rinsing the chicken thighs under cold running water, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Portion into smaller pieces, if desired, for even cooking. In a deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and brown on all sides, about 10-15 minutes, until golden brown.
2. Making the sauce: Meanwhile, wash the tomatoes and chop into chunks. Put them in a pot with a little cold water and a pinch of salt. Boil them for 10-15 minutes until soft. After that, pass them through a sieve to obtain a fine puree and boil the resulting juice in another small pot.
3. Adding the flavorings: To the tomato juice, add finely chopped garlic, honey, bay leaves, wine and spices (salt, pepper, thyme, thyme, basil, black pepper, coriander and cloves). Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes so that the flavors blend perfectly.
4. Finishing the dish: When the sauce has come to the boil, add the browned chicken thighs, cover the pan and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the meat is tender and falls off the bone slightly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a few tablespoons of hot water to get the desired consistency.
5. To serve: At the end, add chopped dill or parsley to taste, stirring gently.

Serving suggestions
This chicken with tomato sauce goes great with a variety of side dishes. I recommend grilled mushrooms and onions with wine pickled leeks for a contrast of flavors and textures. Rice or mămella are also great options, soaking up the delicious sauce.

Possible variations
- You can add vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers to the sauce for extra color and nutrients.
- Instead of white wine, you can use red wine for a sauce with a deeper flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier taste, add some chopped chili peppers or chili flakes to the sauce.

Calories and nutritional benefits
This recipe offers a good balance of protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates and is a great choice for a hearty meal. One serving of chicken with tomato sauce contains about 450-500 calories, depending on the toppings. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, lycopene (a powerful antioxidant) and fiber, contributing to a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
- How can I store leftovers? The preparation can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or frying pan, adding a little water to prevent it from drying out.
- Is this recipe suitable for a festive meal? Absolutely! Thanks to its rich flavors and pleasant appearance, chicken with tomato sauce can be a star dish for festive meals.

Try this chicken with tomato sauce recipe and enjoy a meal full of taste and flavor! Whether it's a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will always bring smiles and appreciation from loved ones. Bon appétit!