Get ready to elevate your meal prep game with our one pot chicken recipe of Tomato Braised Chicken with Parsnips! Bursting with savory flavors and wholesome ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy individuals who crave convenient yet nutritious meals. With tender boneless chicken thighs, sweet parsnips, earthy mushrooms, and a rich tomato sauce, every bite is full of deliciousness. Served alongside your favorite grains or veggies, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
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Calories: 502kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 169mg | Sodium: 1516mg | Potassium: 1482mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 1169IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 4mg
Why You’ll Enjoy this One Pot Chicken Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: With ingredients like tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices, this dish is bursting with flavor at every bite. The combination of savory chicken, sweet parsnips, and earthy mushrooms creates a symphony of tastes that will make your taste buds happy.
- Easy Peasy: Busy individuals rejoice! This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just one skillet and a handful of simple ingredients. With minimal prep and hands-on time, you can have a wholesome and flavorful meal ready to enjoy in no time.
- Meal Prep Champion: For those who love to meal prep, this recipe is a true champion. It’s perfect for batch cooking and can be easily portioned out into meal prep containers for convenient grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week. Simply reheat and enjoy whenever hunger strikes!
- Versatile: Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! Feel free to swap out the parsnips for your favorite root vegetables or customize the spices to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re a fan of extra garlic, a kick of chili powder, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, the possibilities are endless with this versatile
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are not only budget-friendly but also pack a lot of flavor. They have slightly more fat than chicken breasts, which helps keep them juicy and tender, especially when braised. Plus, they’re a great source of protein, making them a satisfying and nutritious choice for this dish.
- Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste, and Diced Tomatoes: Tomatoes are the star of this dish, providing a rich, tangy base for the sauce. Tomato sauce and paste add depth of flavor and a thick, velvety texture, while diced tomatoes contribute a burst of freshness and texture. Tomatoes are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth not only adds flavor but also helps to thin out the tomato sauce, creating a luscious, savory broth. It infuses the dish with additional chicken flavor and provides moisture to keep the chicken tender during cooking. Using broth also adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile without the need for additional seasoning.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms add a wonderful earthy flavor and meaty texture to the dish, making them an excellent substitute for meat in vegetarian meals. They soak up the flavors of the sauce and release their own juices as they cook, adding depth and richness to the dish. Plus, mushrooms are low in calories and rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy and budget-friendly ingredient.
- Parsnips: Parsnips are a root vegetable similar to carrots but with a sweeter, nuttier flavor. They add sweetness and depth to the dish while providing a hearty, satisfying texture. Parsnips are also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious and budget-friendly choice for bulking up the meal.
- White Onions: Onions add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish, helping to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. They also provide texture and aroma, enhancing the overall eating experience. Onions are a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world and are known for their versatility, affordability, and nutritional benefits.
- Garlic Powder, Paprika, and Salt: These spices add warmth, depth, and complexity to the dish, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them. Garlic powder adds a savory, umami-rich flavor, while paprika contributes a subtle smokiness and a hint of sweetness. Salt helps to balance out the flavors and enhance the overall seasoning of the dish, ensuring that every bite is perfectly seasoned and delicious.
Basic Steps to Meal Prep One Pot Chicken
- Heat up a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once the skillet is hot, place the chicken thighs in the pan and sear them on each side for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until they develop a beautiful golden brown color.
- Toss in the diced onions and sauté them until they become soft and translucent, infusing the dish with their aromatic flavor.
- Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, and parsnips. Let them mingle and get to know each other in the skillet for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing all those incredible flavors to meld together.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any delicious charred bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These little flavor bombs will take your dish to the next level!
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low-medium. Let everything simmer away for approximately 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This slow-cooking process ensures that every bite is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
- Once the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded beautifully, it’s time to dish up this mouthwatering meal! Serve your Tomato Braised Chicken with Parsnips alongside your favorite sides, or portion it out into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Meal Prep Pairing Tips for Tomato Braised Chicken
- Grains: Serve the Tomato Braised Chicken with Parsnips over cooked grains like quinoa, brown rice, or couscous for a hearty and satisfying meal. The grains will soak up the flavorful sauce and complement the tender chicken and parsnips perfectly.
- Leafy Greens: Add a pop of freshness and color to your plate by serving the one pot chicken dish alongside a simple green salad or steamed greens like spinach, kale, or broccoli. The vibrant greens will provide a nice contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the main dish.
- Crusty Bread: Serve slices of crusty whole grain bread or garlic bread on the side to soak up any leftover sauce from the Tomato Braised Chicken with Parsnips. It’s a delicious way to enjoy every last bit of flavor!
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish the Tomato Braised Chicken with Parsnips with freshly chopped herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro for a burst of freshness and flavor. The herbs will add a bright, aromatic element to the dish and elevate its overall presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can absolutely use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in this recipe. Keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook slightly faster than thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent them from becoming dry.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by substituting the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or your favorite meat alternative. Simply follow the same cooking instructions, adjusting the cooking time as needed for the vegetarian protein option.
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using whatever you have on hand. Bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, or eggplant would all be delicious additions to this dish.
Tomato Braised Chicken with Parsnips
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
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Nutrition