Chicken Straccetti with Radicchio Recipe
Category: Main Course
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Chicken breast | 650g |
Radicchio | 400g |
White onions | 150g |
Brown sugar | 30g |
Water | 100g |
Extra virgin olive oil | 10g |
Extra virgin olive oil | 50g |
Thyme | 2 sprigs |
Marjoram | 2 sprigs |
Salt | To taste |
Black pepper | To taste |
Lemon zest | 1 |
Instructions
To prepare this delightful Chicken Straccetti with Radicchio, start by preparing the chicken breast. Slice it in half, creating thinner pieces that will cook more evenly. Set the chicken aside for now.
In a large pan, pour the 10g of extra virgin olive oil and add the thyme and marjoram sprigs. Let the herbs infuse the oil over medium heat for a couple of minutes, releasing their fragrance into the oil.
Next, take the lemon, ideally one that hasn’t been treated with wax, and grate the zest into the pan, being careful not to include the bitter white pith. The zest will add a burst of citrus aroma to the dish.
While the oil is infusing, wash the radicchio thoroughly with cold water. After rinsing, remove the base of the radicchio, cut it in half, and discard the tough core. Slice the remaining radicchio into thin strips, going along the length of the leaves.
Peel and finely slice the white onions. In a separate wide non-stick pan, heat the remaining 50g of olive oil over low heat. Add the onions and cook gently for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and turn translucent.
Once the onions have softened, add the water and brown sugar, stirring to combine. Let the mixture cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the water to reduce slightly.
Add the sliced radicchio to the pan with the onions and continue cooking for 2 minutes, turning the heat up a little to allow the radicchio to wilt and release its vibrant color and flavor.
While the radicchio is cooking, remove the chicken from the fridge and add it to the pan with the vegetables. Stir gently, ensuring the chicken is well-coated with the radicchio mixture. Cook the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it begins to color and is cooked through.
Once the chicken has a golden hue, remove the pan from the heat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and give everything one last gentle stir to incorporate the seasoning.
Serve the Chicken Straccetti with Radicchio immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. This savory dish pairs beautifully with a light side, such as roasted potatoes or a simple green salad, making it a versatile option for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Enjoy the blend of tender chicken, the slight bitterness of radicchio, and the fragrant, herby flavors in each bite.