Roasted Caprese Chicken (Grain-Free)
Try this Roasted Caprese Chicken (Grain-Free) recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Roasted Caprese Chicken (Grain-Free) recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- sea salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1/4 tsp dried italian seasoning
- 16 oz. cherry or grape tomatoes (i prefer heirloom varieties)
- 5-6 large cloves of garlic peeled and cut into thick slices
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced basil leaves
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts cut in half
- 1/2 cup blanched almond flour (or gf breadcrumbs)
- optional: 4 oz. fresh mozzarella or monterey jack sliced thinly
- 1 pound fresh asparagus (1 large bunch)
- 2 cups diced leeks
- 6 cups homemade chicken stock
- 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf (italian) parsley tightly packed
- 1/4 cup coconut milk (or almond milk)
- Carbohydrate 56.1732402747244 g
- Cholesterol 254.7 mg
- Fat 35.9878875442509 g
- Fiber 1.34074348978996 g
- Protein 44.3880350386196 g
- Saturated Fat 8.0745780007994 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (2491g)
- Sodium 3644.57205000753 mg
- Sugar 54.8324967849344 g
- Trans Fat 2.50159403861832 g
- Calories 737 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1 bay leaf.
- In a separate bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and sea salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet, sauté 2 cups baby spinach leaves with 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar until wilted.
- Stir in 1/3 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese.
- In another skillet, sauté 1 cup diced yellow onion in 1 tbsp olive oil until softened.
- Add 1/4 tsp dried Italian seasoning, 16 oz. cherry or grape tomatoes, 5-6 large cloves of garlic, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced basil leaves.
- Cook until tomatoes are slightly softened.
- Season 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut in half) with salt and pepper.
- Dredge chicken in 1/2 cup blanched almond flour.
- Optional: Top chicken with 4 oz. fresh mozzarella or monterey jack cheese slices.
- Place chicken on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- While chicken is roasting, prepare asparagus and leeks.
- Steam or roast asparagus and leeks until tender-crisp.
- Prepare a chicken stock sauce by simmering 6 cups of homemade chicken stock with 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley.
- Stir in 1/4 cup coconut milk (or almond milk).
- Serve roasted chicken with asparagus, leeks, spinach mixture, and chicken stock sauce.
Roasted Caprese Chicken: A Grain-Free Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present challenge of getting dinner on the table before everyone collapses from exhaustion. But even amidst the chaos, I refuse to compromise on nutritious, flavorful food. That's why I've become obsessed with recipes that are both simple to prepare and bursting with fresh, wholesome ingredients. This Roasted Caprese Chicken is a perfect example.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It's a one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup time, a definite bonus on a busy weeknight. The combination of juicy chicken breasts, sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella (or a fantastic dairy-free alternative) is a symphony of flavors. It's a dish that feels both elegant and comforting, perfect for a family dinner or a casual weeknight meal. I often serve it with a side of roasted asparagus and leeks for a complete and balanced meal. The subtle sweetness of the leeks balances beautifully with the herbaceous notes of the asparagus and the richness of the chicken. And to top it all off, a light and flavorful chicken stock sauce adds a luxurious touch.
Why this recipe is a winner:
- One-pan wonder: Minimizes cleanup, saving precious time.
- Grain-free: Perfect for those following a grain-free or gluten-free diet.
- Fresh and flavorful: Uses vibrant, seasonal ingredients for maximum taste.
- Adaptable: Feel free to substitute vegetables based on your preference or what's in season. Try zucchini, bell peppers, or even broccoli.
- Quick and easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Making it your own:
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s incredibly versatile. Experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor it to your taste. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a pleasant kick. If you prefer a tangier flavor, try using a different type of vinegar, like apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. You can even experiment with different cheeses – feta or goat cheese would be delicious substitutes for the mozzarella. The possibilities are endless!
This dish is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of simple ingredients and the joy of cooking. It's a reminder that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's a testament to the fact that even on the busiest of days, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul. So, next time you're short on time but craving a delicious and wholesome dinner, give this Roasted Caprese Chicken a try. You won't be disappointed!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Pair with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Enjoy with a side of quinoa or brown rice (if not following a grain-free diet).
- Make it a complete meal by adding a grain-free side like cauliflower mash or sweet potato fries.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat well in the microwave or oven.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Let me know in the comments how it turned out and what variations you tried.
