Chicken breast with grapes

Chicken breast with grapes: a surprising combination of savory and sweet

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marination time: 2 hours
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Servings: 4

The history of this dish is quite interesting, stemming from culinary traditions where unusual combinations of meat and fruit have always been appreciated. This recipe for chicken breast with grapes brings an innovative flair to your table, transforming a basic ingredient into a delicacy worthy of the most sophisticated meals.

Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts (approximately 500-600g)
- 1 bunch of grapes (preferably Muscat or another sweet variety)
- 1 cup of coffee (preferably Arabica for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of brown sugar (for a caramelized note)
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- olive oil or other type of oil (approximately 2 tablespoons)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by removing the skin from the chicken breast. This step is important as the skin can add excess fat, and we want juicy but healthy meat. Rinse the chicken breast under cold running water and pat it dry with a paper towel. Then, cut each breast in half lengthwise, creating smaller portions that are easier to cook.

2. Scoring the meat: Make 3-4 cross cuts on each piece of meat. This step not only helps the marinade penetrate better but also provides a pleasing aesthetic when serving the dish.

3. Marinating: In a bowl, mix the coffee, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. This mixture will create a flavorful marinade that will transform the chicken into a delicacy. Add the chicken pieces to this mixture and ensure they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 2 hours. If time allows, you can marinate the meat overnight for an even more intense flavor.

4. Preparing the grapes: Rinse the grapes under running water and remove the seeds, if necessary. Choose sweet and juicy grape berries that will provide a refreshing note and a delicious contrast to the meat.

5. Stuffing the meat: After the chicken breast has marinated, take it out of the refrigerator. In each cut, place a grape berry. This detail will bring an explosion of flavor and an attractive appearance to the dish.

6. Cooking: In a pot, add a little olive oil and approximately 100 ml of water. Place the stuffed chicken breast pieces in the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-30 minutes, or until the meat is well cooked and browned. Check occasionally if more water is needed to prevent sticking.

7. The perfect side dish: While the chicken breast is baking, you can prepare the side dish. An excellent option is boiled potatoes and baby carrots. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, then add a little butter and freshly chopped parsley. The carrots can be boiled or glazed in butter with a little sugar to enhance their sweetness.

8. Serving: Once the chicken breast is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. The grapes will be beautifully caramelized, and their taste will perfectly combine with the aroma of coffee and brown sugar. Serve the dish alongside the chosen side and, for an extra touch of freshness, add a few leaves of parsley or basil.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of fruits. Apples, oranges, or mandarins are excellent alternatives that bring a note of freshness and a pleasant contrast to the meat.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can also add a little soy sauce to the marinade for an umami taste.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken breast, as it will become dry. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 75°C to be considered cooked.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe for chicken breast with grapes is rich in protein and low in fat due to the removal of the skin. The grapes add antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a healthy immune system. Additionally, coffee has beneficial effects on metabolism and may help reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can this recipe be made without coffee? Yes, you can omit the coffee or replace it with soy sauce to add a different flavor.
- How can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian diet? You can replace the chicken breast with tofu or seitan, which absorb marinade flavors very well.
- What drinks pair best with this dish? A dry white wine or a fresh citrus-based cocktail are excellent choices that complement the grape flavor.

I hope this dish has sparked your interest and will inspire you to try it! Enjoy your meal!