If you're looking for a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers a perfect balance of heat, tanginess, and richness, look no further than Chicken Piquant.
This classic dish, known for its zesty and bold flavors, is a quick fix for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Best of all, it requires minimal ingredients and can be ready in just 30 minutes!
What is Chicken Piquant?
Chicken Piquant, or "spicy chicken," is a dish that combines succulent chicken with a tangy and spicy sauce made from tomatoes, vinegar, mustard, and a medley of herbs and spices. Its roots can be traced to Cajun and Creole cuisine, where bold flavors reign supreme. The piquant sauce offers a delightful combination of spice, acidity, and savory depth that makes each bite incredibly satisfying.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep time.
Full of Flavor – A perfect balance of heat and tanginess.
Simple Ingredients – Pantry-friendly staples make this an accessible recipe.
Versatile – Serve it with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Piquant Sauce:
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
½ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Piquant Sauce
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes).
Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano.
Add a teaspoon of sugar if the sauce is too tangy for your liking.
Stir everything well and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Piquant is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some great options:
White or Brown Rice – The sauce complements the grains perfectly.
Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes balance the acidity of the sauce.
Pasta – Toss the sauce with cooked pasta for a hearty meal.
Crusty Bread – Ideal for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Roasted Vegetables – A healthy side option.
FAQs
1. Can I make Chicken Piquant in advance?
Yes! This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as they take longer to cook than chicken breasts.
3. Is this dish very spicy?
It depends on your heat preference. The red pepper flakes provide a moderate kick, but you can adjust the amount to make it milder or spicier.
4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Chicken Piquant is naturally dairy-free. Just ensure that the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce you use don’t contain hidden dairy ingredients.
5. What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar.
6. Can I freeze Chicken Piquant?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
7. How can I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can:
Simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce it.
Add a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water.
8. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make Slow Cooker Chicken Piquant, sear the chicken first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Piquant is a fantastic weeknight dinner that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. The combination of tangy tomatoes, zesty vinegar, warm spices, and juicy chicken makes for an unforgettable meal.
Whether you serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Try it tonight and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!
Did you make this recipe? Let us know in the comments how it turned out!
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