Grilled chicken breast with honey

Grilled Chicken Breast with Honey and Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 4

In a world filled with complex recipes and sophisticated techniques, sometimes the best thing we can do is return to the simple and natural essences of cooking. This recipe for grilled chicken breast with honey and parmesan scalloped potatoes is a perfect example of this principle. The juicy chicken, with its sweet and savory glaze, combined with creamy and crispy potatoes, will turn any meal into a celebration.

Ingredients

*For the chicken breast:*

- 4 chicken breast fillets
- 2 tablespoons of honey (choose a high-quality honey for a more intense flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (soy sauce adds umami and depth)
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (balsamic vinegar will balance the sweetness of the honey)
- Salt and pepper to taste

*For the parmesan scalloped potatoes:*

- 4 large potatoes (choose red or white potatoes for better texture)
- 100g grated parmesan (parmesan adds flavor and a golden crust)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper to taste

*For the vegetable mix:*

- 300g vegetables of your choice (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, etc.)
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Chicken Breast

1. Score the chicken breast: Start by scoring the chicken breast fillets on one side to allow the marinade to penetrate better. These small cuts will help achieve a more tender texture.

2. Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Mix well to create a smooth sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. This marinade will provide a delicious flavor and a shiny glaze on the chicken breast.

3. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken fillets in a deep container and pour the marinade over them. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for 15-30 minutes. If you have more time, you can let it marinate even longer, ideally for a few hours.

4. Preheat the grill: Prepare the grill for cooking, making sure it is well heated. If using an electric grill, set it to medium-high heat.

5. Cook the chicken: Place the chicken breast on the grill and let it cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. During cooking, use a brush to baste the chicken with the remaining marinade to enhance the flavors and achieve a delicious glaze. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C.

Preparing the Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

1. Prepare the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly, about 0.5 cm thick. These thinner slices will cook evenly and achieve a tender texture.

2. Assemble the potatoes: In an oven-safe dish, layer the potato slices, drizzling with olive oil and sprinkling salt and pepper between layers. Add the grated parmesan on top for a golden and crispy crust.

3. Cover and bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C for 35 minutes. After this period, remove the foil and let it bake for another 10 minutes, until the potatoes are golden and crispy.

Preparing the Vegetable Mix

1. Cook the vegetables: While the potatoes and chicken are cooking, you can prepare the vegetable mix. Wash and cut the vegetables into evenly sized pieces.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a skillet, add a little olive oil and let it heat up. Add the vegetables and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

Once all components are ready, plate each chicken breast fillet alongside a generous serving of scalloped potatoes and a colorful mix of vegetables. Garnishing the plate with fresh parsley leaves or a slice of lemon can add a touch of freshness and an appetizing appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or brown sugar, but the taste will be slightly different.

2. What other side dishes can I serve with this chicken?
A fresh salad or vegetable rice are excellent options.

3. How can I store leftovers?
The chicken and sides can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for building muscles. Honey provides antioxidants, while potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. Parmesan adds calcium and protein, enhancing the nutritional value of the meal.

Possible Variations

To add a unique touch, you can try adding spices like garlic or grated ginger to the chicken marinade. You can also diversify the vegetable mix by using seasonal vegetables or steamed vegetables for a lighter option.

This recipe for grilled chicken breast with honey and parmesan scalloped potatoes is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends. Don’t forget to enjoy the cooking process and experiment with ingredients and flavors to make it even more special. Enjoy your meal!