Herbed Chicken & Vegetable Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
3 tablespoons Butter
4 (5-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch wide strips
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup water
1 (16-ounce) bag frozen vegetable combination (broccoli, carrots and water chestnuts)
How to make
STEP 1Melt butter in 10-inch skillet until sizzling; add chicken strips, salt, thyme leaves and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, 5-6 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Add water and vegetable combination. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, 4-5 minutes or until mixture comes to a boil.
STEP 2Reduce heat to medium. Cover; cook, stirring occasionally, 10-12 minutes or until vegetables are crisply tender.
Introduction: Embark on a culinary journey of extraordinary flavors with our Herbed Chicken & Vegetable Skillet. This exquisite dish not only showcases the artistry of combining succulent chicken with a vibrant array of vegetables but also emphasizes health-conscious cooking, perfect for those following the Weight Watchers program. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of this recipe, offering detailed instructions, precise measurements, and comprehensive nutritional insights, including SmartPoints for mindful indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the Herbed Chicken & Vegetable Skillet:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups baby potatoes, halved
2 cups baby carrots
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup broccoli florets
1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Prelude to Perfection:
Begin the culinary symphony by preparing all the ingredients meticulously. This prelude sets the stage for a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Chicken Crescendo:
Introduce a crescendo of flavors by cutting boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This ensures a uniform and delightful chicken experience in every bite.
Potato Prima:
Elevate the dish with the prima of baby potatoes, halved for optimal cooking. These velvety potatoes add a comforting texture to the skillet, complementing the other ingredients perfectly.
Carrot Concerto:
Join the carrot concerto with baby carrots, providing a natural sweetness and vibrant color. These carrots contribute to both the visual appeal and the nutritional profile of the dish.
Tomato Tango:
Engage in a tomato tango with cherry tomatoes, halved to release their juicy essence. This dance of freshness adds a burst of flavor that intertwines seamlessly with the other components.
Broccoli Ballet:
Embark on a broccoli ballet by adding florets to the mix. Broccoli not only brings a cruciferous crunch but also introduces a wealth of nutrients to the dish.
Pepper Performance:
Enhance the performance with a bell pepper solo, thinly sliced for a colorful and sweet contribution. The bell pepper adds a delightful crunch and a visual spectacle to the skillet.
Onion Overture:
Begin the onion overture with a thinly sliced red onion. The sweetness of the onion, when caramelized, harmonizes with the savory notes, creating a delightful depth of flavor.
Garlic Sonata:
Infuse a garlic sonata into the composition by mincing three cloves of garlic. This aromatic addition enhances the overall symphony of flavors.
Herb Harmony:
Introduce an herbaceous harmony with a medley of fresh parsley and basil. Chopped finely, these herbs elevate the dish with their fragrant and savory notes.
Oil Opulence:
Enrich the skillet with olive oil opulence. The oil not only prevents sticking but also imparts a luscious mouthfeel to the dish.
Oregano Overture:
Begin the oregano overture with a tablespoon of dried oregano. This herbaceous addition contributes a robust flavor that complements the other herbs.
Thyme Temptation:
Tempt the palate with the addition of dried thyme, bringing a subtle earthiness to the skillet. The thyme complements the other herbs, creating a nuanced flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper Symphony:
Conduct a symphony of seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring that each ingredient is perfectly seasoned to enhance its natural flavors.
Searing Sonata:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and begin the searing sonata by adding the chicken pieces. Sear until golden brown on all sides, creating a flavorful foundation for the rest of the ingredients.
Vegetable Variation:
Introduce the vegetable variation by adding the prepared baby potatoes, carrots, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, bell pepper, and red onion to the skillet. Spread them evenly, allowing each vegetable to shine.
Garlic Infusion:
Infuse the dish with the minced garlic, creating an aromatic melody that permeates the entire skillet.
Herbal Crescendo:
Amp up the herbal crescendo by sprinkling the chopped parsley and basil over the vegetables and chicken. This step imparts a burst of freshness and elevates the dish to new heights.
Drizzle Delight:
Drizzle olive oil over the skillet, ensuring that the ingredients are coated evenly. This final touch adds a luxurious sheen and enhances the overall mouthfeel.
Bake Ballet:
For a flawless finish, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and let the ingredients undergo a bake ballet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Lemon Luminescence:
Serve the Herbed Chicken & Vegetable Skillet with lemon wedges on the side. Squeezing a wedge over the dish adds a zesty luminescence, balancing the richness of the herbs and chicken.