Chicken dish with potatoes and olives

Chicken stew with potatoes and olives: a comforting winter recipe

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

On chilly winter evenings, there is nothing more comforting than a steaming chicken stew with potatoes and olives that brings the warmth and aroma of home. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends. Served with polenta or pickles, this dish becomes truly special.

A short story about the stew

Stew recipes are part of the culinary tradition of many cultures, bringing together simple yet nourishing ingredients that transform into a delicious dish through slow cooking. This combination of chicken, potatoes, and olives not only offers an explosion of flavors but also a mix of textures that will delight your taste buds.

Necessary ingredients

- 1 chicken breast (approximately 500 g)
- A handful of olives (preferably unsalted or lightly salted)
- 4 medium potatoes
- 3 onions
- 2 red bell peppers
- 2 large tomatoes
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
- A bunch of dill (preferably fresh, but frozen can also be used)
- 1-2 tablespoons of dried thyme
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 glass of white wine
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- Salt, pepper to taste

Preparing the ingredients

1. Start by deboning the chicken breast. Make sure to wash it well under cold running water and let it drain. Cut it into suitable pieces so that it cooks evenly. Season the meat with salt to enhance its flavor.

2. Clean the onion and bell pepper. Slice the onion julienne and chop the bell pepper into cubes. These vegetables will add sweetness and extra flavor to your stew.

3. Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters. They will become the base of the stew, absorbing the delicious flavors from the sauce.

4. Cut the tomatoes into cubes. If you prefer, you can use canned tomatoes, but fresh ones provide a more vibrant taste.

Cooking the stew

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and let them brown nicely on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. It is important not to overcrowd the skillet to achieve even browning.

2. Once the meat is browned, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate to keep warm.

3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly translucent. These vegetables will add a layer of flavor and extra texture to your stew.

4. Add the chopped potatoes and diced tomatoes to the skillet, along with the white wine. Let the wine evaporate, meaning simmer for a few minutes to intensify the flavors.

5. Once the wine has evaporated, add the tomato sauce, a cup of water, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well, then transfer the mixture to a clay pot.

6. Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes. Slow cooking will allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

7. Wash the olives well and add them to the clay pot, along with the browned chicken pieces. If you notice that the sauce has reduced too much, you can add a cup of water and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes, uncovered, to allow excess liquid to evaporate.

8. Before serving, season the stew with freshly chopped dill. This will add a note of freshness and a pleasant aroma to the dish.

Serving

This chicken stew with potatoes and olives is served hot, with a generous portion of polenta on the side. The polenta will perfectly complement the rich flavors of the stew. If you prefer, you can also add pickles for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Useful tips

- If you want a spicier version, you can add chili peppers or spices like paprika.
- The dish can also be prepared with pork or turkey, offering another dimension of flavor.
- Make sure to use quality olives, as they can significantly influence the final taste of the dish.

Nutritional information

This chicken stew with potatoes and olives is a good source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken provides essential proteins for the body, while potatoes are a rich source of carbohydrates and fiber. Olives bring healthy fats, and vegetables contribute to the vitamin intake.

Frequently asked questions

- Can the recipe be made with bone-in chicken?
Yes, bone-in chicken adds extra flavor to the stew due to the gelatin from the bone.

- Can I use other types of vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add carrots, zucchini, or even eggplant to diversify the recipe.

- How can I store the stew?
The stew can be stored in the fridge in airtight containers for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the oven.

In conclusion, this chicken stew with potatoes and olives is not just a delicious recipe but also a culinary journey into the world of flavors, bringing you the comfort of home. I encourage you to try it and share this culinary experience with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!