Are you craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that won't take hours to prepare? Look no further than the delicious Greek recipe for Chicken Braised with Feta and Green Olives. This mouthwatering dish combines the quintessential flavors of the Mediterranean, with tangy Greek feta and briny olives, resulting in a perfectly balanced and comforting meal. With its simple preparation and easy-to-find ingredients, it is the ideal choice for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner. Tender chicken is gently cooked in olive oil, accompanied by stewing onions, tomatoes, red wine vinegar, and tomato paste, creating a rich and flavorful base. As the chicken simmers to perfection, the addition of green olives and crumbled feta takes this dish to the next level. Serve it alongside rice, mashed potatoes or crispy Greek fries, and get ready to impress your taste buds with this delightful Greek creation.
Chicken Braised with Feta and Green Olives: A Delicious Greek Recipe
Are you looking for a simple and easy weeknight meal that is full of flavor? Look no further than this mouth-watering recipe for chicken braised with feta and green olives. With its Mediterranean twist, this dish incorporates ingredients such as Greek feta and olives, bringing the flavors of Greece right to your plate. Whether you're a seasoned pro in the kitchen or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's get cooking!
Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let's go over the ingredients you will need for this delectable dish:
- Chicken pieces: Choose your favorite cuts of chicken, such as thighs or drumsticks, for this recipe.
- Olive oil: This will be used for sautéing the onions and browning the chicken.
- Stewing onions: You'll need a few stewing onions, peeled and sliced, to add that rich flavor to the dish.
- Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes will be diced and added to the skillet, providing a burst of freshness.
- Red wine vinegar: This tangy ingredient will add a delightful acidity to the dish.
- Tomato paste: A dollop of tomato paste will further enhance the flavors and add depth to the sauce.
- Green olives: Choose pitted green olives and slice them to be incorporated into the dish.
- Greek feta: This creamy and tangy cheese will be crumbled over the stewed chicken, giving it that traditional Greek touch.
- Rice: You can serve the braised chicken over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Mashed potatoes: If you're in the mood for some comfort food, serve the chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes.
- Greek fries: For a Greek-inspired twist, serve the braised chicken with crispy and flavor-packed Greek fries.
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let's move on to the preparation steps.
Preparation
To ensure that your chicken braised with feta and green olives turns out perfectly, follow these steps:
Step 1: Sautéing the Onions
Start by peeling and slicing the stewing onions. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant. This will create a flavorful base for your dish.
Step 2: Browning the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet with the sautéed onions. Brown the chicken on both sides until it develops a lovely golden color. This step will enhance the taste and appearance of the chicken.
Step 3: Adding the Tomatoes
Dice the fresh tomatoes and add them to the skillet. Stir gently to combine them with the chicken and onions. The tomatoes will release their juices and contribute to the overall richness of the dish.
Step 4: Incorporating the Vinegar
Pour in the red wine vinegar and gently stir to distribute it throughout the skillet. The vinegar will add a tangy note to balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes and chicken.
Step 5: Mixing in the Tomato Paste
Add the tomato paste to the skillet, ensuring that it is evenly distributed. Stir until the paste is well incorporated into the sauce. The tomato paste will intensify the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
Step 6: Simmering the Chicken
Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the chicken to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until it is almost cooked through. This slow cooking process will infuse the chicken with all the flavors from the onions, tomatoes, and spices.
Step 7: Adding the Green Olives
Pit and slice the green olives, and then add them to the skillet. Stir gently to distribute the olives evenly. The green olives will contribute a briny and tangy note to the dish, balancing the richness of the chicken and feta.
Step 8: Crumbling the Feta
Now, it's time to bring in the star of the show – the Greek feta. Crumble the feta over the stewed chicken, ensuring that it is evenly distributed. The feta will melt slightly and add a creamy, savory element to the dish.
Step 9: Serving Options
Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, it's time to think about how you'd like to enjoy it. You have a few delicious serving options to choose from. One option is to serve the chicken braised with feta and green olives over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice will absorb all the flavorful sauce, creating a delicious combination of textures and tastes. Alternatively, you can serve the chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal. If you're feeling adventurous, try serving the dish with Greek fries for a unique and flavorful twist!
Step 10: Optional Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add an extra burst of freshness to the dish, consider adding some optional garnishes. Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the chicken before serving. This will not only add a pop of vibrant green but also bring a mild herby aroma to the dish. For some extra freshness, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the finished dish. The bright acidity of the lemon will brighten up the flavors and complement the tanginess of the feta and olives.
Now that you have followed all the steps and added the optional garnishes, it's time to dig in and savor the deliciousness of your homemade chicken braised with feta and green olives. Whether you're enjoying it alone or sharing it with friends and family, this Greek-inspired dish is sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the Mediterranean. Bon appétit!
