Basque Chicken Recipe π
Overview:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Description:
This Basque Chicken recipe has stood the test of time since the early 70s. Its unique blend of flavors, perhaps highlighted by the Vermouth, creates a delightful dish that is sure to please. With tender chicken pieces cooked to perfection in a rich, savory sauce, this recipe brings a taste of Spain and Europe to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is ready in under an hour, making it a convenient option for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup sweet vermouth
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions:
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Prepare Chicken: In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides until golden brown and cooked through.
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Create Flavor Base: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the chicken. SautΓ© until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
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Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, sweet vermouth, salt, pepper, dried basil, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
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Simmer: Cover the Dutch oven and reduce the heat to low. Allow the chicken to simmer in the flavorful sauce for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through, and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
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Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the pot with the chicken and sauce, stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle boil, stirring continuously, until it reaches the desired thickness.
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Finish and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Transfer the chicken pieces to a heated serving platter. Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken.
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Serve: Basque Chicken is traditionally served over hot cooked pasta, allowing the delicious sauce to coat every strand. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a vibrant finishing touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 396.8
- Fat: 25.6g
- Saturated Fat: 6.6g
- Cholesterol: 103.5mg
- Sodium: 1093.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 14.3g
- Fiber: 2.9g
- Sugar: 7.5g
- Protein: 27.8g
Tips:
- For a twist, try substituting chicken thighs for a richer flavor or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch or cook it for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
- This recipe is versatile and can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
- Serve Basque Chicken with crusty bread or rice instead of pasta for a change of pace.
- Make a double batch of this flavorful sauce and freeze it for later use. It makes a fantastic base for soups, stews, or braised dishes.
