Chicken Breasts Niçoise: A Taste of Southern France
When one thinks of the sun-kissed city of Nice, images of vibrant markets brimming with fresh produce and fragrant olives come to mind. An absolute must for any food lover visiting this enchanting locale is a stroll through the spectacular food market located in the old section of the city. Here, among a delightful array of seasonal produce, vendors present incredible displays of olives, with the briny black Niçoise olives taking center stage in many local dishes, including our featured recipe. While authentic Niçoise olives can be sought at specialty food markets, a suitable substitute such as Greek Kalamata olives will yield equally delicious results. Regardless of the choice, this dish promises to transport you straight to the heart of the French Riviera, offering a tantalizing blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Chicken Breasts Niçoise |
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Category | Chicken Breast |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5 based on 3 reviews) |
| Calories | 277.8 |
| Fat Content | 6.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 98.7 mg |
| Sodium | 272.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8.2 g |
| Fiber | 1.4 g |
| Sugar | 3.9 g |
| Protein | 40.6 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 tablespoons | Olive oil |
| 6 | Boneless skinless chicken breasts |
| 1 | Onion (finely chopped) |
| 1 clove | Garlic (minced) |
| 1 can (14.5 oz) | Diced tomatoes (with juice) |
| ½ cup | Niçoise olives (pitted) |
| ½ cup | Kalamata olives (pitted, optional) |
| 1 cup | Red wine |
| 1 cup | Reduced-sodium chicken broth |
| 1 tablespoon | Pernod (optional) |
| 1 teaspoon | Herbes de Provence (or to taste) |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, allowing the oil to shimmer and become hot enough to sear the chicken breasts effectively. -
-
Sear the Chicken
Once the oil is ready, carefully add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet. Sauté the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are well browned and have developed a beautiful golden crust. After browning, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, allowing it to rest. -
Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion has softened and turned translucent. Next, add the minced garlic, stirring it into the onions and cooking for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. -
Add Tomatoes and Olives
To the onion and garlic mixture, add the diced tomatoes along with their juice, using a fork to crush them lightly. Then, introduce the Niçoise olives and Kalamata olives (if using), stirring them into the tomato mixture to combine the flavors. -
Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the red wine, followed by the reduced-sodium chicken broth and Pernod, if you’re using it. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer, cooking until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. -
Return Chicken to Skillet
After the sauce has thickened, return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rich mixture. Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook gently, turning it once to ensure even cooking. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until the chicken is no longer pink in the thickest part when cut with a knife. -
Serving Suggestions
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat and serve the chicken breasts hot, generously spooning the flavorful tomato and olive sauce over the top. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of fluffy rice and steamed runner beans, offering a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that complements the Niçoise-inspired sauce. -
Enjoy!
Savor each bite of this Chicken Breasts Niçoise, letting the vibrant flavors of the French Riviera transport you to the bustling markets of Nice, where each ingredient tells a story and every meal is a celebration of life.
This recipe not only captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine but also showcases the vibrant flavors that can be easily achieved in your kitchen. The combination of succulent chicken, briny olives, and fresh tomatoes makes for a delightful meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy this culinary journey, and let the flavors of Niçoise inspire your cooking adventures!
