Chicken breast with vegetables

Chicken Breast with Vegetables and Pineapple Baked in the Oven

Who doesn’t love a delicious meal, full of flavors and colors? Today we will focus on a simple yet extremely tasty recipe: chicken breast with vegetables and pineapple, a perfect combination of juicy meat and crunchy vegetables, enriched with the sweetness of pineapple. This recipe is not only a healthy choice but also a wonderful way to impress family and friends with your culinary skills.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- For the marinade:
- 2 pieces of chicken breast (approximately 500g)
- 1/2 head of garlic
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 cup of red wine
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste

- For the vegetables:
- 2 whole leeks
- 5-6 medium potatoes
- 2-3 tablespoons of canned corn
- 4-5 slices of pineapple
- Olive oil (or other vegetable oil)
- Hot paprika, salt, and pepper to taste

- For garnish:
- Green lettuce leaves (optional)
- Thin strips of leek (white and green) for decoration

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Marinating the Chicken

Start by preparing the marinade for the chicken breast. Finely chop 3-4 cloves of garlic and the onion. Mix these ingredients in a bowl along with the red wine, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breast cut into cubes of about 3-4 cm and let it marinate for one hour. This marinade will not only enhance the flavor of the meat but also help tenderize it.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables

Meanwhile, clean and wash the vegetables. Cut the leeks into pieces of 3-4 cm and the potatoes into similar-sized cubes. Heat a pan with a little olive oil and add the leeks. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become soft. Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Then, in the same pan, add the potato cubes. Sauté until they become golden and crispy, about 10-12 minutes. Remove them and place them on another paper towel.

Step 3: Preparing the Chicken

After the marinating time has passed, remove the chicken breast from the marinade and gently dry it with a paper towel. Heat the pan again with a little oil and add the chicken. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through. Make sure to turn it for even cooking.

Step 4: Assembling the Dish

In a baking dish, layer the sautéed leeks, followed by the crispy potatoes and chicken cubes. Cut the pineapple slices into smaller pieces and add them to the pan for 2-3 minutes until they are lightly browned. Then, place them over the mixture in the baking dish.

Add 3-4 tablespoons of pineapple juice to intensify the flavors. This ingredient will provide a pleasant contrast between salty and sweet.

Step 5: Baking

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the ingredients to blend and enrich each other with flavors.

Step 6: Serving

After the baking time has passed, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with thin strips of leek and, optionally, add a few green lettuce leaves for a touch of freshness. You can also add canned corn for a textural contrast.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe pairs perfectly with a raw vegetable salad or a serving of fragrant basmati rice. Additionally, for a complete meal, you can accompany the dish with a glass of white wine or a fresh fruit cocktail.

Tips and Variations

- For a spicier version, add chili flakes to the marinade or the vegetable mix.
- If you enjoy fruit combinations, you can try adding mango or peaches to the dish.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken breast with marinated tofu or tempeh, and feel free to vary the vegetables according to your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers can be ideal.

2. How can I store the dish?
Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

3. Is this recipe healthy?
Absolutely! Chicken breast is an excellent source of protein, and vegetables provide fiber and essential nutrients. Pineapple adds vitamins and antioxidants.

Conclusion

This recipe for chicken breast with vegetables and pineapple baked in the oven will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a festive air to any meal. Don’t hesitate to experiment and adapt the ingredients to your preferences! Enjoy your meal!