I love to cook, but there just isn’t always time to prepare the complicated and exotic meals I dream up. In reality, when I get home from a long day at work, I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. That’s why I value quick, easy and healthy recipes like Dominican Chicken, a dish I adapted from an authentic Dominican recipe. I turned a friend’s family recipe into a simple but delicious 30 minute meal.
The ingredients are few and the steps are simple, making this chicken dish your perfect 30 minute meal. All you need is a couple of chicken breasts, a can of tomato paste, a lime, some white vinegar and some diced fresh cilantro – and of course salt and pepper. Amounts don’t have to be exact. You want to taste your food frequently and spice it just the way you like it best.
The first step is to cut up the chicken into about 1-inch cubes. Honestly, if you’re in a rush, you can cook the breasts whole as well. That might take another 5 minutes out of your 30 minute meal, which can help when you’re pressed for time. Personally, I prefer to cube the chicken. Heat some olive oil – just one or two tablespoons – in a large skillet or wok. When the oil is nice and hot, then throw in the chicken cubes. Cook them on medium-high heat until they’re browned on every side.
When the chicken is cooked on the outside, turn the heat down to medium-low. Then add to the pan about 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, one tablespoon of vinegar, and the juice of the lime. Stir it all together and let it cook for about 5 – 10 minutes. You really just want it to cook until the chicken is cooked through. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Just before serving, stir in the cilantro. I usually use about one quarter cup, but it really is a matter of taste.
This fabulous and oh-so-easy 30 minute meal will absolutely wow your family with its fresh and slightly exotic flavors. Serve it with Spanish style rice, which is also super easy and delicious. Simply saute some uncooked rice in olive oil until the rice begins to brown. Add diced onions and tomatoes and stir for about 2 minutes. Then add chicken stock – just use the amount of water you would normally use with the amount of rice you used. Cover and let it simmer for 15 – 20minutes. Then season with salt to taste. If you do the rice alongside the chicken, it won’t add any time to your 30 minute meal. But it will impress your guests!