Chicken breast with quince

Delicious recipe for chicken breast with caramelized quinces

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to our kitchen! Today we will embark on a simple yet absolutely delightful recipe: chicken breast with caramelized quinces. This refined combination brings together the sweetness of autumn fruits and the juiciness of chicken, resulting in a dish that will impress any guest. It is a perfect recipe for a festive dinner, but also for regular evenings when you want to bring a touch of elegance to your plate.

A bit of history

Chicken with quinces is a dish that reflects the culinary traditions of many cultures, based on the idea of combining meat and fruit. Quinces, with their distinct aroma, have been cultivated and appreciated since ancient times, adding a touch of sophistication to savory dishes. This recipe is a modern reinterpretation that combines simple techniques with seasonal ingredients to create a memorable dish.

Ingredients

- 500 g chicken breast (cut into strips)
- 2 quinces (about 400 g)
- 50 g butter
- One lemon
- One orange
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Salt
- Pepper

Preparing the ingredients

1. Chicken breast: Start by washing the chicken breast pieces well. Make sure to remove any visible membrane or fat. Then, season them with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This step is essential for adding flavor to the meat.

2. Marinating: After seasoning the chicken breast, place it in an airtight container and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This marinating will help intensify the flavors and make the meat juicier.

3. Quinces: Quinces are aromatic fruits but can have a hard texture. To prepare them, remove the fuzz from the surface with a damp cloth, then slice them thinly. Make sure to remove the seeds and the hard core.

4. Citrus fruits: The juice of the lemon and orange is essential to add a note of acidity that will balance the sweetness of the quinces. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice, leaving half of it cut into slices. Do the same with the orange.

Cooking the chicken breast

5. In a large skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Then, add the strips of chicken breast and fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. This step will provide a delicious crust to the meat while keeping it juicy inside.

6. Once the chicken breast is browned, add the lemon juice to the skillet and let it simmer for a minute. This step will highlight the flavors and add extra moisture.

Preparing the caramelized quinces

7. In another skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced quinces and sauté them for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly. The quinces will start to release their juice, and the butter will help caramelize them.

8. Add the brown sugar, orange juice, and orange slices to the skillet. Continue to cook for 5 minutes until the quinces become tender and caramelized. The flavors will combine beautifully, transforming into a sweet and tangy mixture.

Assembling the dish

9. In a heatproof dish, place the fried chicken breast. Add the caramelized quinces on top, along with the remaining lemon and orange, cut into small pieces. Pour half a cup of water into the dish to prevent the dish from drying out during baking.

10. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the dish inside for 30 minutes. This process will allow the flavors to meld and ensure even cooking of the meat.

Serving and variations

Once the dish is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it warm, alongside a side of basmati rice or mashed potatoes, which will absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce. A fresh green salad can perfectly complement this meal, providing a crunchy contrast.

Serving suggestions: You can sprinkle some toasted nuts or pomegranate seeds on top of the dish for an extra texture and color. Additionally, a bottle of dry white wine will pleasantly enhance the dish's flavors.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat? Absolutely! This recipe also works with turkey or even fish, such as salmon.

2. How can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian version? You can replace the chicken breast with tofu or tempeh, which absorb flavors very well.

3. What are the nutritional benefits of this dish? Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, while quinces are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, benefiting the immune system.

Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving, depending on the side dish.

This recipe for chicken breast with caramelized quinces is not only easy to prepare but also visually pleasing and, most importantly, delicious! I encourage you to try it and personalize every detail, so it becomes a family recipe you reinterpret each time. Enjoy your meal!