Friday Night Bistro Chicken
Total Time: 48 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 33 minutes
Servings: 6
Description:
When the end of the week rolls around and you’re feeling the pull of relaxation, there’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen. This Friday Night Bistro Chicken is the perfect dish for those nights when you want something easy, delicious, and satisfying. It features tender chicken breasts, a flavorful shallot-tomato sauce, and a melt-in-your-mouth Swiss cheese topping. Ready in just under an hour, this dish brings bistro-style flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves | 6 pieces |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Shallot, finely diced | 1/2 shallot |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 (14.5 oz) can |
| Dried thyme | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Swiss cheese | 1 slice per chicken breast (6 slices total) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 303.7 kcal |
| Fat | 13.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 95.2 mg |
| Sodium | 1103.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 11.2 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugars | 4.2 g |
| Protein | 34.6 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Skillet:
Start by heating a large oven-proof skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil to the pan, allowing the butter to melt and the oil to warm up. -
Season the Chicken:
Season the boneless, skinless chicken breast halves with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Be sure to coat both sides of the chicken evenly with the seasoning. -
Brown the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts into the hot skillet and brown them on both sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden but not cooked all the way through. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. -
Cook the Shallots:
In the same skillet, add the finely diced shallot. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shallots have softened and become fragrant. -
Make the Tomato Sauce:
Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and the dried thyme to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture cook for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly. -
Add the Soup:
Stir in the soup (cream-based or your choice of a similar sauce) to the skillet. Continue to cook and stir occasionally for an additional 4 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with the remaining salt and pepper if necessary. -
Return the Chicken to the Skillet:
Once the sauce is well mixed, return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet. Nestle them into the sauce and spoon a bit of the mixture over the top. -
Top with Swiss Cheese:
Place a slice of Swiss cheese over each chicken breast. This will melt beautifully over the chicken during baking, creating a deliciously creamy topping. -
Bake:
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese should be melted and golden. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
Pro Tips
- Chicken Variations: If you prefer, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, though the cook time will be longer. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with thick slices of hearty portobello mushrooms, following the same cooking steps.
- Cheese Substitution: While Swiss cheese gives this dish a rich, mild flavor, you can also experiment with provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar for a different taste.
This easy, comforting chicken recipe is ideal for busy Friday nights when you don’t want to spend too much time cooking but still crave something flavorful. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines the goodness of chicken, a savory shallot-tomato sauce, and melted Swiss cheese for a quick bistro-style meal. Your family will love it, and you’ll love how simple it is!
