Tasty, quick to the table and full of good-for-you vegetables. Bistro Chicken makes a long day taste delicious.
I discovered this recipe years ago in a Kraft foods magazine. It quickly became a favorite and is so easy to make it became part of the permanent dinner rotation.
Specialty Ingredients
This recipe does require a few things I don’t always have on hand like bacon and fresh mushrooms. Everything else I usually have in the house. It is easy to make, but I usually have to plan ahead.
Easy Bistro Chicken
2 tsp. vegetable oil
3 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 med. Onion, chopped
1 can (15 Oz) stewed tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup Italian dressing
3 Tbsp. tomatoe paste
4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb)
1 cup mozzarella cheese
2 slices bacon, crumbled
Heat oil in large skillet on med – high heat. Add mushrooms and onions; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes (with liquid), dressing and tomato paste.
Add chicken; cover. Reduce heat to med-low. Simmer 12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. I’ve found it tastes best simmering longer, as long as the heat is low, the chicken becomes even more tender.
Sprinkle with cheese and bacon; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve over rice if desired.
Makes 4 servings – I usually double it because the leftovers are also amazing – amazing that I don’t have to cook the next day. 😉 (and they’re also amazing).
I served the Bistro Chicken with a side of sautéed summer squash and zucchini, (recipe found here) and a fresh loaf of bread.
Tips to make this meal even faster
Bread Tip: buy frozen bread and set it out to rise in the pan in the morning. Then put it into bake when you start the entrée. Your family will love you.
Chicken Tip: set chicken in a bowl in the fridge to defrost the same time you set out the bread to rise. You’ll be eating a half hour after getting home.
Bacon Tip: cook the whole package of bacon when you buy it. Put it in the freezer and pull out just the amount you need when cooking.
Tomatoe Paste Tip: most recipes don’t call for a whole can of tomatoe paste. Place the rest in a zip lock bag, flattened out. With the blunt edge of a butter knife section into roughly 1 Tbsp sections then put in the freezer for next time.
Saving tip for leftover tomatoe paste
Mmmmm.
Sautéing the mushrooms and onions is the secret to a great dish.
For the most tender chicken it’s important to cover and reduce the heat to med – low as it cooks.
Mozzarella and bacon are the final touch.
Searve over rice with a side of sautéed summer squash and fresh bread.
What is your go to meal, easy and tastes delicious?
The sauce sounds delicious! I might try it with lots of vegetables x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
That would also taste delicious, especially if you sautéed them all together before adding the tomatoes and liquid to
Your plate looks delicious! I love that the bistro chicken is easy to make and is on the healthier end. Oooh, I didn’t know that you can freeze cooked bacon for a later time. I love these tips for faster cooking. It’s easier to prepare things ahead of time, the busier times will thank your past self! Thanks for sharing your recipe :)!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
True, it’s all about helping your future self out. 😉 And the bacon still taste the same. Heat it for a few seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a pan and it will taste perfect.
Bistro chicken sounds so delicious. I can’t wait to make it for dinner. I know my family will love it.