Oven-baked chicken breast with Chinese vegetables

Oven-Baked Chicken Breast with Chinese Vegetables and Plain White Rice

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 3-4 hours
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours and 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Recipe History

Baking chicken breast is a culinary technique that has been appreciated over time, ensuring juicy and flavorful meat. By combining chicken with Chinese vegetables and rice, this recipe adds a fresh twist and an international flair to your meal, transforming it into a feast of flavors.

Ingredients – A Choice with a Big Impact

1 whole chicken breast (boneless) – Choose fresh, quality chicken that will remain juicy after baking.
Salt and pepper – Basic seasonings that will enhance the meat's flavor.
1 glass of white wine – The wine adds a note of elegance and complexity to the dish.
2 cloves of garlic – Garlic will provide a pleasant taste and unmistakable aroma.
Olive oil – Ideal for marinating and cooking the vegetables.
2 cubes of margarine – These will help achieve a crispy crust on the chicken.
Fresh thyme – An aromatic herb that pairs perfectly with chicken.
1 small bell pepper – Adds color and a crunchy texture to the dish.
1 small onion – The onion will enrich the flavor and add sweetness.
Meat concentrate (demiglasse) – Provides a rich and savory sauce.
1 bag of frozen Chinese vegetable mix – This combination brings a mix of textures and flavors.
1 chili (optional) – If you enjoy spicy food, this will intensify the flavor.
Soy sauce – An essential ingredient in Asian dishes, for an extra umami kick.
Rice – A classic side that perfectly complements this dish.

Step by Step – Your Culinary Guide

1. Marinating the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breast in half to ensure even cooking. Season the meat well with salt and pepper to taste. Place the chicken in a medium-sized ovenproof dish. Add the julienned onion, thinly sliced bell pepper, olive oil, and white wine. Don’t forget the thyme sprigs and crushed garlic. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours. This step is essential for allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.

2. Cooking the Chicken
After the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Place a cube of margarine on top of each piece of meat. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the dish with the chicken in for about 25 minutes, or until the meat starts to brown. It’s important not to let the chicken dry out, so check it periodically.

3. The Delicious Sauce
Once the chicken has been in the oven, take it out and add the meat concentrate demiglasse mixed with ½ glass of cold water. Return the chicken to the oven for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop an intense flavor.

4. Preparing the Vegetables
In a skillet, add a little olive oil and the remaining margarine. Then, add the frozen Chinese vegetable mix. Cook over medium heat until softened, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, white pepper, and, if desired, chili for a bit of heat. When the vegetables are cooked, add soy sauce to taste and let it simmer for a few moments.

5. Cooking the Rice
For the side dish, you can prepare plain white rice. In a pan, sauté a cup of rice in a little olive oil, then add 2 cups of hot water (or 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of water for a richer flavor). Let it boil until the rice absorbs all the water.

Serving

To serve this delicious dish, place a portion of chicken breast with sauce on a plate, alongside the Chinese vegetables and rice. You can add a sprig of fresh thyme for an elegant touch. A bottle of red wine will perfectly complement the meal.

Helpful Tips

- You can replace the chicken breast with chicken thighs for a more intense flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier note, you can add chili sauce to the soy sauce.
- A side of fresh salad would go wonderfully with this dish, adding a touch of freshness.
- Try to use fresh vegetables if available for an even better taste.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken breast, while the Chinese vegetables add essential fiber and vitamins. The rice provides complex carbohydrates, making this dish a balanced meal, perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other vegetables instead of Chinese vegetables?
Absolutely! You can try broccoli, carrots, peas, or any other favorite vegetables.

2. How can I make the chicken even more flavorful?
Add spices like paprika, curry, or even ginger to give the chicken a different taste.

3. What type of white wine is suitable for this recipe?
A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, will work perfectly.

This oven-baked chicken breast recipe with Chinese vegetables and plain white rice is not only easy to prepare but also extremely delicious. So give it a try and enjoy a delightful meal full of flavors!