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Have you ever woken up in the morning after making a delicious dinner and the amazing aroma from the night before still permeates your home? That is what happens every time I make Balsamic Chicken. As one of my favorite weeknight meals, I usually make a double batch because the leftovers are so good for lunch and dinner. This is also one of my favorite recipes to make when a friend needs a meal. I marinate the chicken and do the first step in cooking the chicken thighs. When I arrive at their home, I finish the meal on their stove so that it is fresh for them.
When you are shopping for ingredients, look for pasture-raised chicken, and organic produce. I love the fact that this recipe uses chicken thighs because even with reheating, the thighs stay moist. The flavors develop even more as they sit, so the leftovers may be even more delicious. I often serve balsamic chicken with roasted vegetables and a salad that I made earlier in the week. Some crusty sourdough bread or a gluten-free option goes well with this dish to sop up the delicious sauce.
Why We Love This Balsamic Chicken
This meal is rich in nutrients, and part of a healthy meal plan. The chicken provides protein, B vitamins, iron, omega 3 fatty acids, and phosphorus that provides nourishment from head to toe. Our brain and nervous system, digestive tract, and endocrine system need a lot of energy and the B vitamins in pasture-raised chicken are a good source. The protein in chicken helps to build and repair tissues. Some ways the body uses protein are to build muscles and bones, to produce neurotransmitters for our nervous system, and to produce new cells as cells turn over.
Mozzarella also provides important nutrients. Dairy products in general are one of the most bioavailable sources of calcium, which is used to remineralize bones, along with phosphorus and magnesium. Calcium is also important for muscle contractions, it supports the work of the heart and our skeletal muscle tissue.
Tomatoes provide antioxidant protection against DNA damage, against high exposure to oxygen in the lungs, and against free radical damage in the lining of our blood vessels.
Garlic is a powerful antimicrobial, protecting our bodies from viruses and bacteria that enter our bodies from food, water, or other people.
Balsamic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons coconut sugar
½ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce, coconut aminos, or tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
4 cloves garlic, minced
Freshly cracked pepper
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
4 ounces whole milk mozzarella
2 Roma tomatoes
¼ bunch fresh parsley or cilantro
Instructions:
- Prepare the marinade by stirring together the olive oil, coconut sugar, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic and pepper to taste.
- Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to overnight, turning occasionally to redistribute the marinade.
- When ready to cook the chicken, heat a large skillet over medium heat. When the skillet is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the extra sauce drip off, and place in the pan. Cook until browned on each side, about 5 minutes each, depending on the size of the thigh.
- While the chicken is cooking, slice the mozzarella in 6 pieces, and the tomatoes into 12 pieces. Chop the parsley or cilantro.
- Once cooked through, place the chicken on a clean plate. Pour the marinade into the skillet and let it boil over medium heat, stirring often, until it has reduced to a thick and rich glaze.
- Turn the heat under the skillet down to medium-low, return the chicken to the skillet, and spoon some glaze over each piece. Place a slice of mozzarella on top of each piece of chicken, followed by two slices of tomato. Place a lid on the skillet and let it heat through until the mozzarella is melted. Top the chicken with the chopped parsley or cilantro and serve.
Adapted from the recipe by Beth Moncel
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About the Author: Lisa Schumacher is a graduate of NTI’s Certified Natural Food Chef program, a Registered Nurse and Holistic Practitioner. She is passionate about setting people up for success who are moving forward on their health journey. Inspiring and teaching others how to create delicious, nutritious meals is her happy place. She loves to introduce people to new foods, whether it’s liver pate, homemade crackers, or chia seed pudding.
Image by Lisa Schumacher
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