Chicken with bell peppers

Chicken with bell peppers - a vibrant and flavorful recipe

Welcome to the culinary world of dishes with personality! Today, I invite you to discover a delicious recipe for chicken with bell peppers, which combines the flavor of succulent chicken with the sweetness of peppers and the exotic aromas of spices. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends at a festive meal. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1-2 pieces of chicken breast (approximately 500-600 g)
- 2-3 red bell peppers (approximately 300 g)
- 1-2 medium onions
- 1-2 chili peppers, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or sunflower oil (3-4 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon of achiote (a special spice that adds a beautiful color)
- Banana leaves for serving (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by washing the chicken breast well under cold running water. Cut it into thin strips, julienne style, for even cooking. This technique not only helps with quick preparation but also achieves a pleasant texture.

Next, cut the onion and bell peppers into similarly sized strips to ensure even cooking. If you like spicy food, you can also slice the chili pepper into thin rounds, being careful to remove the seeds if you prefer a milder taste.

Step 2: Cooking the vegetables

In a large skillet, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and slightly caramelized. This step will intensify the flavor of the vegetables and add a sweet note to your dish.

Step 3: Cooking the chicken

In another skillet, add a little oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and achiote spices. Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes golden and well-cooked. Achiote not only provides a vibrant color but also a distinct taste with slightly earthy and sweet notes.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, add it to the skillet with the vegetables and mix everything well. Let the flavors combine for 2-3 minutes, then check the taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

Step 5: Serving

For a special touch, you can serve the dish on a wooden board, placing a banana leaf on top. This will not only add an exotic look but also a subtle aroma to the dish. You can accompany the chicken with bell peppers with a side of white rice or black bean puree, as well as boiled corn or sautéed bananas. Additionally, a corn tortilla will perfectly complement this platter.

A personal note

I discovered this recipe from my friends, who taught me to combine sweet and savory flavors, and this dish was the revelation of the evening! I love to serve it with a tomillo sauce, which is a delicious combination of tomatoes, chili, parsley, spicy onion, pepper, and turmeric. This will add a fresh and spicy note, perfect for balancing the flavors.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps maintain healthy skin. Additionally, chili contains capsaicin, a compound that may help speed up metabolism and burn fat.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Of course! This recipe can be adapted using turkey meat or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

2. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, the dish can be cooked a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It is delicious when reheated!

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A refreshing drink like lemonade or a tequila-based cocktail would be ideal to complement the flavors of this dish.

Variations and suggestions

- Instead of achiote, you can experiment with other spices, such as paprika or cumin, for a different flavor.
- Add green or black olives to the vegetable mix for an extra burst of flavor.
- You can turn this dish into a delicious burrito by adding the ingredients into a large tortilla along with avocado and sour cream.

Conclusion

Chicken with bell peppers is a recipe that will transport you to a world full of flavors and colors. It is an excellent choice for those who want to bring a touch of exoticism to their kitchen. Don't hesitate to experiment with your favorite flavors and sides to customize it to your taste. Enjoy your meal!