Quick and Easy Chicken Breast Dinner: My Husband’s Favorite!

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If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner, this chicken breast recipe is perfect. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a zesty lemon-thyme sauce. Paired with a refreshing Greek tomato salad, this meal is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the details of this easy and delightful recipe!

Why This Recipe?

This chicken breast dinner is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. The lemon-thyme sauce adds a fresh and tangy twist, while the Greek tomato salad provides a light and refreshing side. It’s a perfect combination for a balanced and enjoyable meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Breast Dinner:

  • 1/2 cup flour
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 small shallot
  • 2-3 garlic cloves
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 2 tbsp butter

For the Simple Greek Tomato Salad:

  • 2 ripe tomatoes
  • 1 small shallot or red onion
  • 3 small sweet peppers
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Feta cheese to taste
  • Fresh mint (optional, but mint adds brightness)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

  1. Season the Flour: In a shallow dish, season the flour with salt and freshly ground pepper.
  2. Dredge the Chicken: Dredge the chicken breasts in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.

Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

  1. Sauté Shallot and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add Flavorings: Add the thyme sprigs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth (or water). Stir to combine.

Combine and Finish

  1. Return the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
  2. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
  3. Add Butter: Stir in the butter to enrich the sauce.

Serve

  1. Plate the Chicken: Plate the chicken breasts and spoon the sauce over the top.
  2. Serve with Salad: Serve the chicken with a side of Simple Greek Tomato Salad.

Simple Greek Tomato Salad

Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Chop the Tomatoes: Chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Slice the Shallot: Finely slice the shallot or red onion.
  3. Cut the Peppers: Cut the sweet peppers into small rings or slices.

Assemble the Salad

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, shallot or red onion, and sweet peppers.
  2. Season and Add Cheese: Season with sea salt and dried oregano. Crumble the feta cheese over the top. Add fresh mint if using.

Dress the Salad

  1. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
  2. Toss: Toss gently to combine.

Serve

  1. Serve the Salad: Serve the salad alongside the chicken breast dinner for a refreshing and complementary side dish.
  2. Enjoy: Enjoy your meal!

Tips for Success

  • Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh thyme and lemon for the best flavor.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning of both the chicken and the salad as needed.

Nutritional Benefits

This chicken breast dinner is not only tasty but also packed with nutritional benefits:

  • High in Protein: Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
  • Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables in the salad provide vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like potassium and magnesium.
  • Low in Fat: Using olive oil and lean chicken breast makes this a healthy, low-fat meal option.

This quick and easy chicken breast dinner, paired with a simple Greek tomato salad, is a perfect combination for a delightful meal. It’s flavorful, nutritious, and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for any day of the week. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Additional Recipes to Try

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