Tag: chicken

Brazilian Chicken Paprika Stew

I’ve always found it fascinating to see how people all over the world come up with similar foods (blintzes, crepes, tortillas). Or people take a dish from one country and then mix it up and change it to suit local tastes in a different country.  Brazilian chicken paprika stew is one of the latter. It’s a Brazilian take on Hungarian chicken paprikash.  The sour cream is gone, replaced with beans and sausage. I discovered this dish when I went to look for something to make with some extra beans, chicken, and half a lime. It’s a thick, rich, comforting stew, and not at all spicy. And it only requires one pot to make! I’m always in favor of less cleanup.

The original recipe was for 6 or 8 servings, which is way too many for one person, so I reduced it.  It also called for both chicken breasts and boneless thighs, but I much prefer the thighs, so I skipped the breasts entirely. I only had bone-in thighs, so I just cut them up and left the bones in to cook. Yes, I took them out for the photo! They’ll turn into more chicken broth later.

I used spicy chicken sausage for this, but mild is fine if you prefer less spicy food.

I served this with crusty super-easy single loaf Kitchenaid bread, but rice works too. Or whatever starch you like: potatoes, noodles, etc. to sop up the sauce.

One thing on the paprika, it turns stale pretty quickly, so use a fresh jar/box or buy it in a spice store if you can.




Brazilian Chicken Paprika Stew Substitutions and Variations

  • try it with lemon juice instead of lime
  • add some chopped peanuts and ginger
  • add some mild pepper, like poblano, either fresh or dried (ancho chili)
  •  substitute smoky paprika for extra depth of flavor

More Chicken and Bean Recipes

moroccan chicken soupMoroccan Chicken and Lentil Soup

Based on a Jewish version of harira,  this savory soup is traditionally made with lamb and lentils. I switched it up with chicken and beans, then flavored it with sharp/sweet ginger and turmeric.

pasta e fagioli soupPasta e Fagioli Soup (Small Batch)

Hearty, fragrant with aromatics, and elevated out of the ordinary by salty, smoky pancetta.  Perfect for a cold day (bonus: it heats your home too).

 

white bean salad with sun-dried tomatoesWhite Bean Salad with Sun Dried Tomatoes

A fancy bean and sun-dried tomato salad, at a fraction of the price.  Healthy, tasty, and no cooking required either.

 


lentil bean sausage soupLentil Bean Sausage Soup

A chunky, hearty soup rich with ham, sausage, beans, and lentils. Simmered slowly to bring out the flavors.

 




Balsamic Vinaigrette Chicken For One

I suppose the official name of this dish should be something like balsamic vinaigrette chicken or balsamic chicken or  another similarly elegant name.  In reality, I call it something much more straightforward (and a lot less fancy), namely “stupid easy chicken.”

It has only two ingredients.  You don’t even really have to measure anything. There’s no chopping either. Or peeling. Nothing.

In fact, all you have to do is brush or pour a bit of balsamic vinaigrette dressing over both sides of the chicken. Then put it on a small roasting pan (or just use the pan from your toaster oven), and bake. Tada!

It’s ridiculously easy. And quite tasty too.

The inspiration? I was tired one night and a long-ago co-worker’s sheet pan chicken popped into my head (why, I have no idea). Anyway, she used to take a big sheet pan of chicken parts, pour Italian dressing over it, and bake it. Instant seasoning, and an easy dinner with very little effort.

I thought, well why not make that a bit fancier, without adding any extra steps. So, I swapped the Italian dressing for balsamic vinaigrette. I used homemade, but store bought is just fine.

Then, you can simply pop a potato in the oven to bake with the chicken. Or, use the time and energy to make a fancier side dish, such as honey mustard glazed carrots. Start the water boiling for the carrots when the chicken is about half-baked.

If you’re really feeling ambitious (not that it’s hard, just maybe five minutes more effort), make your own chicken balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Balsamic Vinaigrette Chicken Dressing Recipe

3T balsamic vinegar
1 T Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 C olive oil
Salt and pepper

Mix everything except the oil together in a small bowl.  Then slowly add the oil, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

You can then use that on a tossed salad or Mixed Greens Egg Potato and Chicken Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette .







 

More Chicken Recipes

chicken mango stir fryQuick Chicken Mango Stir Fry Recipe

Sweet bell peppers, juicy mango, and spicy chilis add up to an unusual, but delicious quick dinner. Ready in about 20 minutes.

 

Indian Royal Chicken Cooked in Yogurt

royal chicken in yogurtA meal that sounds fancy, but isn’t hard to make. It’s got tangy yogurt, sweet raisins, and cardamom pods (which add a sweet, minty flavor).

 

 

chicken with balsamic vinegar sauceOne Pot Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar Sauce

Adapted from Jacques Pépin, this chicken dish has an ingredient you might not expect from a French cookbook. The vinegar adds a fruity/tangy flavor that complements sweet onions and the secret ingredient.

shoemakers chicken with potatoes and peppersShoemaker’s Chicken

An Italian-American classic! This is made in a single skillet, and enhanced with a tangy sauce that cooks right in the pan.  Less cleanup!  Serve (or not) with easy oven roasted potatoes.

Lemon Cumin Mint Chicken

Lemon Cumin Mint Chicken is a quick  and easy Middle Eastern-inspired meal that uses ingredients you likely already have. The cumin and lemon add a spicy, citrusy flavor. Think of it as the sort of meal you might have sitting outside at a café along the Mediterranean sea.

I’ve adapted this from Epicurious but made several changes. First, since it’s one person, we don’t need a mixture of chicken pieces. Second, I don’t like the boneless thighs (I want the bones to make chicken broth).

The original recipe also called for lemon-infused oil (which takes three weeks to make).  Probably good, but that’s too long to wait, and I suspect it would overwhelm the chicken.

Third, the instructions said to reserve some of the garlic and scatter it over the chicken. I didn’t do that either, as I didn’t want raw garlic. And, I upped the cumin a bit.

Lastly, instead of broiling the meat, which tends to lead to dried out food (especially chicken), I simply baked it instead. About 15 minutes at 400 degrees, then baste, then another 25 minutes or so until the chicken is done and the juices run clear.

The potatoes are crispy garlic basil potato bites (without the basil).  Tomatoes were fresh from the Greenmarket.

Don’t be put off by the “prep” time. It’s really five minutes of prep, and the rest is waiting for the marinade to flavor the chicken.

Lemon Mint Cumin Chicken Substitutions and Variations

  • Try coriander instead of mint (or a mixture of the two)
  • If you have time (and patience, make the lemon oil: 1 cup oil with 3 T of lemon zest, kept refrigerated for 3 weeks, then strained).
  • Swap the lemon for lime
  • Layer portobello mushrooms and thinly sliced potatoes under the chicken

More Lemon Chicken Recipes

crispy lemon chicken thighCrispy Lemon Chicken Thigh Recipe for One

Crispy, lemony, with just a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Think fried chicken with a lot less oil and bother.

 

Jewish chicken curry chitarneeJewish Chicken Curry Chitarnee

A one pot meal with chicken, lemon juice, tomatoes, and potatoes. All simmered together until they become sweet and aromatic.

 

homemade chicken shawarmaHomemade Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce

Transport yourself to a NY schawarma shop (like the Avengers movie), without leaving home. You don’t even need a rotisserie.

 

feta brined roast chickenFeta Brined Roast Chicken Recipe for One

Elegant enough for company, this chicken requires only a few simple ingredients. The brine keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Peruvian Roast Chicken in Green Sauce Recipe

I tried this Peruvian roast chicken in green sauce recipe for the first time last week, and I can’t stop eating it! It’s not just the chicken either, it’s the sauce. I loooove the sauce. I made enough to have extra, and I’ve been putting it on everything. It’s tangy, spicy, garlicky, and just spectacular.  And the chicken is lip-smackingly good too!

There are two stages to this recipe, which I adapted from Epicurious, but since we’re only making it for one person (instead of a whole chicken) we can cut some steps and speed everything up. The reviews on the original commented that it was a lot of work (but worth the trouble). But, my way, it isn’t a lot of bother at all.  There’s a lot less to chop and a single chicken thigh cooks a lot faster than a whole bird. You wait less and you don’t have to baste as much either. No need to butterfly/spatchcock one piece of chicken!

First you mix up a spice rub for the chicken and spread it on the meat. While the chicken cooks, you make up the sauce, which is essentially tossing ingredients in a mini chopper or blender and then mixing them together with some mayonnaise. Baste the chicken once and then serve it with the sauce.

The chicken cooks at a higher temperature than usual, so it ends up with crispy skin, while still retaining its juices. Plus, it’s ready in 35-40 minutes instead of an hour and a half.

If you like, you can add a salad of cucumber, avocado, lime, olive oil, and scallions on the side.




Peruvian Roast Chicken with Green Sauce Substitutions and Variations

Unlike the usual changes, this list is largely focused on the sauce, rather than the chicken.

  • Try different herbs or combinations of herbs and leafy greens instead of the spinach. You could use basil, coriander (the original recipe), or some sage
  • Instead of mayonnaise, try Greek yogurt or lebne
  • Serve the sauce over eggs with crusty bread
  • Use the sauce as a dip with fresh cut up carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumber wedges
  • if you don’t have fresh lemon, use dried lemon peel and bottled lemon juice

More Chicken Recipes

crispy lemon chicken thighCrispy Lemon Chicken Thigh Recipe for One

Great hot or cold, this is perfect for picnics. There’s three kinds of lemon (don’t worry, nothing unusual), and a crispy crust that tastes like you fried it (but you won’t have to).

 

chili citrus chickenChili Citrus Chicken Thigh Recipe for One

The flavors of Buffalo wings, without any frying. The garlic adds zest and the chili packs the heat (but not too much heat). Cheaper than wings too.

 

feta brined roast chickenFeta Brined Roast Chicken

Bathed in a briny blend of of feta cheese and lemon to keep it moist, and lock in flavor. Serve the finished chicken on a bed of earthy spinach.

 

honey sticky garlic chickenHoney Sticky Garlic Chicken

Delight your taste buds and fight colds with this crispy/sweet/spicy chicken. Ready in 30 minutes, from pantry ingredients.

 




Vietnamese Chicken with Lime and Ginger

Great for a weeknight dinner, this Vietnamese baked chicken with lime is an easy meal that requires very little active work.  Measure, mince, and pour, then let it sit.  Once it’s finished marinating, all you have to do is cook it for half an hour. The ginger and garlic are warm and spicy, while the chili garlic sauce has a bit of a kick. The lime adds brightness and a citrusy tang that complements the spicy flavors and cools them down. 

The original recipe called for chili garlic paste, palm sugar, and fish sauce.  And, it’s true, those ingredients would be more authentic. However, they also violate my own rules about avoiding  hard-to-find or one use ingredients.  I don’t want to buy an entire bottle or brick of something (like palm sugar) just to have it sit there. And where would I even find palm sugar? Nope.

So, I cheated.  I used chili garlic sauce (not paste), swapped brown sugar for palm sugar, and ditched the fish sauce in favor of Worcestershire sauce (which does have some anchovies in it). I also wanted (for personal preference) to avoid all the salt in the fish sauce.

Marinating, even for a short time, helps the chicken absorb lots of flavor. 

When you’re ready to start cooking, just pour out the marinade, pop the chicken in the oven, and wait half an hour. Dinner is done!

 

Tip: Make extra rice and freeze it in little baggies. Then when you want rice another day, all you have to do is microwave it. One minute rice!




Vietnamese Baked Chicken with Lime Substitutions and Variations

  • add some soy sauce to the marinade
  • swap the lime zest for lemongrass (you can buy lemongrass paste, which is easier to find in western markets than the stalks)
  • chop up some cilantro and add that to the marinade
  • if you do like fish sauce, I’m told Red Boat and Three Crabs are good brands (avoid the Taste of Thai, it’s full of sugar)

More Chicken Recipes

Jewish chicken curry chitarneeJewish Chicken Curry Chitarnee

A Jewish curry? Yep.  It’s flavored with onions, lemon, and cardamom. It’s not spicy, more aromatic, tangy, and mellow.  Only one pot too. And since it’s got potatoes cooked along in that pot, the entire meal is one pot, not just the main course.

honey sticky garlic chickenHoney Sticky Garlic Chicken

Want to fight some nasty germs? This chicken will help. There’s chili garlic sauce, hot peppers, and garlic: all of which help clear your head. It’s also easy to make. Just brown the chicken and make a quick sauce.

peruvian roast chicken with green saucePeruvian Roast Chicken in Green Sauce Recipe

I just can’t stop eating this. The sauce has spicy peppers, earthy spinach, and citrusy lime, with just a touch of mayo to hold it all together.  Great for chicken, or for a veggie dip.

stir fry chicken peanut sauce recipeStir Fry Chicken with Peanut Sauce

You don’t have to go out for “takeout” food. Make it yourself at home. Eat it hot right away, or chill, add extra veggies, and transform it into a salad.

 




One Pot Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar Sauce

Adapted from a Jacques Pépin recipe, chicken with balsamic vinegar sauce is an easy and satisfying one pot meal.  There’s also a secret ingredient you might not expect (especially from someone known for French cooking).  It’s…ketchup! It deepens the flavor and provides just a little hint of spice and sweetness.  The balsamic vinegar adds a slightly tart, fruity tang that complements the sweetness of the ketchup and the cooked onions.

He used chicken breasts, but I find those tend to dry out (unless you’re really careful). Not to mention they’re costly, and don’t pack nearly as much flavor as chicken thighs do. So chicken thighs it is. Changing the type of chicken I used also meant altering the cooking method a bit. Instead of baking in an oven, I did a fricassee, meaning brown the chicken, add the liquid, and then let it cook on the stove top.

Chicken thighs have to cook longer than breasts do.  However, doing it my way means you only need a single skillet.  There’s no putting anything in the oven and no need to use two different pots (or worry if your skillet is oven safe).  That also means there’s a lot less cleanup. Less cleaning up is always a good thing, as far as I’m concerned.

Two more slight twists. The original recipe called for shallots. I never have those around, and I wasn’t about to buy them for one recipe (you know how I hate that). So, I cut up some garlic and onions instead (since they’re kissing cousins so to speak). If you have shallots, or don’t mind buying them, go right ahead and use them. He also said to sprinkle the chicken with chives. I didn’t have that either, so I used some fresh rosemary.

As I type this, I’m wondering if I’m spiraling into Internet recipe comment territory: “Great recipe! I changed X, and Y, and Z, and then I didn’t follow the directions at all, but it turned out great!” Well, it did turn out great, so I guess it’s OK.

The whole thing is done in about 35 minutes, so it’s perfect for a weeknight meal when you don’t want to fuss (because you just want dinner).




More Chicken and Balsamic Vinegar Recipes

balsamic vinaigrette chickenBalsamic Vinaigrette Chicken For One

Just two ingredients, and you have dinner. I got this idea from a friend’s old sheet pan recipe.  Lots of flavor, very little work.

 

strawberry balsamic grilled cheeseStrawberry Balsamic Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A sophisticated new twist on an old childhood favorite. This grilled cheese sandwich adds strawberries for sweetness and balsamic vinegar for a fruity tangy bite. Delicious. And easy too.

strawberry spinach salad with balsamic dressing and feta cheeseStrawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing and Feta Cheese

Fresh strawberries, lots of veggies, a zesty dressing, and no cooking. Perfect if you are in a hurry, or it’s too hot to stand in front of the stove.

 




Feta Brined Roast Chicken Recipe for One

Need something simple, yet elegant for dinner? This feta brined roast chicken is easy to make, but looks like something from a fancy restaurant.  Brine the chicken, let it sit overnight, and then mix a few ingredients together and bake.

The brine helps infuse the chicken with flavor, and (as a bonus) keeps it from drying out. It works just like the brine for a turkey, except this will taste much better! Feta cheese is particularly effective as a brine since it is packed in water, so it’s already moist. Blending it together creates a smooth, creamy brine that penetrates the chicken, keeping it tender and moist, even under high heat. The finished chicken doesn’t have a strong feta taste, but it will be rich, tender, and delicious.

Once the chicken is brined, you create a quick and easy spice rub from lemon zest, pepper, and oregano, blend that together, and spread it all over the chicken.  The feta cheese adds salty savor, the lemon a hint of tartness, and the oregano and spinach give the dish a fresh, bright flavor.  The original dish called for arugula, but I’m not a fan, so I used spinach instead.

Taking the chicken out early before you cook it helps it dry out and allows the skin to become crisper when the chicken is roasted.

Add pan-friend potatoes, or oven roasted Greek potatoes for a full meal.

You could eat this all by yourself, or increase the recipe and serve it for company.




Feta Brined Roast Chicken Substitutions and Variations

  • swap the oregano for rosemary
  • add a clove of minced garlic to the spice rub
  • try it with chicken breasts
  • use whole cloves of garlic and let them roast and caramelize
  • want more of a bite? double the amount of black pepper

More Feta and Chicken Recipes

penne with feta cheese and sundried tomatoesPenne with Feta Cheese, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Olives

Sweet, salty, and pantry-friendly too. This dish delights both the eyes and the taste buds with its medley of flavors.

 

spinach and feta cheese omeletteSpinach and Feta Cheese Omelette

Just the thing when you want something quick (without sacrificing flavor). Think spinach and feta pie with a lot less work.

 

homemade chicken shawarmaHomemade Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce

Why get takeout when you can make your own? It’s easier, cheaper, and faster. You don’t need any special equipment either; just make this right in your oven.

 

Vietnamese baked chicken with limeVietnamese Chicken with Lime and Ginger

Ginger and garlic add warmth and a gentle kick, balanced by a citrusy lime tang.  Perfect for a weeknight, as it takes only about 30 minutes to cook.

 




Mulligatawny Soup Recipe

We tend to think of “fusion” foods as a new idea: Asian/Cuban, Mexican/Jewish and so on and so on.  The truth is people have been mixing and matching cuisines ever since we started exploring (or on a less positive note, colonizing).  The bright side is that exposure to new spices, flavorings, and cooking techniques can be a springboard for creative new dishes.  Mulligatawny soup (which means pepper-water) is one such “fusion” food.  It’s a mixture of Indian Tamil and British cooking. The Tamil cuisine brings the spiciness and the British added the meat.

This particular version of the recipe is adapted from Foodaholic.  Her recipe uses red lentils (which I didn’t have the first time I made this). However I asked her and she said lots of recipes use rice instead. I had that, so rice it was!

I don’t have garlic paste, so I took a garlic clove and smashed it to smithereens. Just chop it up finely and then swipe the flat of a wide knife over it.  Or, if you don’t mind a bit of extra cleanup, put it in a mini-chopper or a garlic press.

Finally, I used a chicken thigh, rather than chicken breast (which she uses because of picky kids). I think the chicken thigh has a better, richer flavor and I don’t have to worry about pleasing fussy eaters.

I did follow her lead in only using one pot. I can’t stand extra cleanup!

If you want the soup creamier and more elegant, remove part of it from the pan and puree the rest with a stick blender. If not, just cook it another 10 minutes for a more rustic texture.

This will make about three servings of soup. Eat one right away and save the rest in separate containers for another day.




Mulligatawny Soup Substitutions and Variations

  • If you like spicier food, add some chopped fresh green chilis
  • Top the soup with yogurt or try some coconut milk to counter the heat
  • Add some curry powder
  • Put in some chopped apple for sweetness

More Indian Chicken Recipes

royal chicken in yogurtIndian Royal Chicken Cooked in Yogurt

A name fit for royalty, but anyone can eat (and prepare this dish easily). Nothing to chop, just mix up some spices, add yogurt, and simmer.

 

Jewish chicken curry chitarneeJewish Chicken Curry Chitarnee

I bet you weren’t expecting the words “Jewish” and “Curry” to go together. But they do. Not spicy, but rather warm, comforting, and aromatic.

 

curried chicken soupCurried Chicken Soup

Delicious soup with very little effort. It only takes an hour to make and uses frozen or long-lasting veggies.  No chopping either (other than a carrot). I did say low-effort. 🙂

 

one person chicken curryEasy Chicken Curry Recipe

A few basic ingredients get together and bring you dinner in minutes.  Only one pot too!

 

 




Jewish Chicken Curry Chitarnee

I just learned to cook this Jewish chicken curry chitarnee recipe recently from an  online cooking friend.  It’s (to the best of her knowledge) a Sephardic Jewish recipe, but it doesn’t have the usual flavor or ingredients we tend to associate with “Jewish” cooking in America. Here “Jewish” cooking is usually Ashkenazi (from Eastern Europe). It tends to feature lots of noodles, brisket, and chicken soup.

Ashkenazi food is generally flavorful, but the spiciest ingredients are onions and garlic.  Not too many chilis! And definitely no cardamom. But Jewish people are part of every continent’s and every country’s population.  So, local recipes get adopted, and adapted (if needed) to make them conform to the dietary rules (for those that follow them). Pork gets replaced by chicken, oil is used with meat instead of butter, and so on. And voilà, some local Indian dish gets transformed into Jewish chicken curry chitarnee.

This recipe, for example, has a bit more snap than standard Eastern European fare. It’s not super-spicy though.  There’s onion, garlic, ginger, mild chilis, and cardamom. The garlic, onion, and ginger get cooked down slowly so they become more sweet and mellow than sharp.  The cardamom is aromatic and herbal rather than strong or spicy.   Lots of fresh lemon juice and some white wine vinegar add a piquant tang.

Azlin suggested a variation on this recipe to make it vegetarian, by replacing the chicken with bell peppers, eggplant and potatoes.

I didn’t want to make it fully vegetarian (though you certainly can if you want).  But, I thought, well why not just add potatoes to the chicken version. Then it’s a one pot dinner. That way, there’s no extra rice to make on the side and it will all cook in the same pot in the same amount of time. Fewer pots to clean is always a good thing!




Tools and Ingredients for Jewish Chicken Curry Chitarnee

garam masala spice blend

Garam Masala Indian Spice Blend

Garam Masala is a blend of warm, aromatic spices that gives a great flavor punch to many recipes. It’s not spicy though. It’s made with nutmeg, coriander, cumin, cloves, and seven other spices. It’s great on eggs, chicken, or to make your own chai (spiced tea). You can also add it to desserts (think pumpkin spice with a bit more flair), or hot drinks.

green cardamom

Green Cardamom Pods

I confess when I first heard of cardamom I thought it would be spicy and overpowering. It isn’t! Instead, it adds an aromatic, slightly minty, herbal flavor to your food. Put it in your coffee as a “sweetener” without sugar. Or add it to dessert recipes (I’m thinking it would be great in a pear tart). Or toss one or two pods in with your rice for a flavor boost.

tea ball

Tea Ball

This is technically supposed to be used for brewing tea. However, I find they’re great for cooking.  Trying to fish out a bay leaf is a pain.

With the tea ball, instead of splashing through a pan of chicken, or a pot of soup to find a bay leaf, cardamom pods, or whole cloves you aren’t going to eat, put them in a tea ball, and drop that into the pan, and hook the end on the side of the pot. That way, the spices are easy to remove, and you don’t have to worry about biting down on a clove!

More Chicken Recipes

royal chicken in yogurtIndian Royal Chicken Cooked in Yogurt

Fit for royalty, but easy enough for a weeknight. You mix up the sauce, bake the chicken, and then watch the raisins transform back into grapes.

 

one person chicken curryEasy Chicken Curry Recipe

Chicken, some pantry spices, an onion plus yogurt add up to a delicious meal that’s ready in minutes.

 

chili garlic chicken thighChili Garlic Chicken Thigh Recipe for One

Why bother with wings when you can make this instead? Much easier, and less messy too. Also more budget-friendly.

 

chicken with tomatoes and olivesChicken with Olives and Tomatoes for One

Rich, flavorful, and made with basic pantry ingredients like ginger, briny olives, and sweet canned tomatoes. It’s got a hint of spice, but not overpowering.

 




Stovetop Coq au Vin Chicken with Red Wine Sauce

Coq au vin (or rooster in wine) is a classic French dish.  It’s flavorful, it’s rich, and it takes a lot of time and effort to prepare.  First, you season the chicken, let it sit overnight, then brown it, add vegetables, and braise it slowly.  Authentic coq au vin also requires lots of pots,  lardons, which are thick matchstick strips of bacon, glazed pearl onions, croutons, and finally toast points! It takes hours to prepare it properly.  It’s wonderful, but it’s also a major undertaking, and highly impractical for a weekday dinner.  In contrast, this stovetop coq au vin takes about half an hour to make.  Much better!

I have adapted this recipe from Pierre Franey’s 60 Minute Gourmet Cookbook. Being French he called it “Poulet Sauté au Brouilly” (or chicken sautéed in Brouilly wine). I say stovetop coq au vin or chicken with red wine sauce and mushrooms works just fine.

And, once you finish a bit of chopping and browning, stovetop coq au vin mostly cooks itself. You don’t have to fuss with it,  you don’t need to use half the pots in your kitchen, and you don’t have to clean them up either.  This version only requires a single skillet.

When choosing the red wine, look for one that’s fruity and flavorful, but not too tannic.  Wines such as Zinfandel, Brouilly, Beaujolais, or Merlot are fine (I used Merlot).  On the other hand, a Cabernet Sauvignon would be overpowering.




Stovetop Coq au Vin Substitutions and Variations

  • If you want, cook a few strips of bacon and add that to the chicken
  • Make it more colorful with some chopped carrots
  • Try different varieties of mushrooms, or a mixture
  • Use shallots instead of the onion/garlic
  • If you use the bacon, saute the onions/garlic/shallots in the bacon fat

More Chicken Recipes

crispy lemon chicken thighCrispy Lemon Chicken Thigh Recipe for One

Three kinds of lemon, and a smidge of brown sugar add lots of flavor to this chicken. It almost tastes like it’s fried (but it’s not).  Great hot or cold.

 

chicken mango stir fryQuick Chicken Mango Stir Fry Recipe

A freezer-friendly quick dinner. Use frozen mango if you have it. If not, pineapple will do too (since this cooks quickly). Toss in the chicken and veggies, make a quick sauce and you’re done.

homemade chicken shawarma

Homemade Chicken Shawarma with Yogurt Sauce

If you can’t get your favorite Mediterranean takeout, make it yourself.  You don’t need a rotisserie or special equipment either. Just make it right in your oven.

 

chicken with mushrooms and tarragonSingle Serving Chicken Recipe with Tarragon and Mushrooms

A fancy French meal without going out (or paying a lot).  It takes only 30 minutes to make and uses a single pan. I confess even I wanted to lighten up the original recipe (which called for copious amounts of butter and cream). However, this version retains every bit of flavor!