We love diving into Ellie Krieger’s Real Good Food Recipes for chicken as it’s a game-changer for healthy eating. This dish blends bold flavors with nutritious ingredients making it a go-to for anyone seeking delicious meals without the guilt.
From her background as a renowned nutritionist we’ve adapted this recipe to highlight easy preparation and wholesome benefits. It’s perfect for our busy lives yet delivers that satisfying home-cooked taste we all crave.
Ingredients
In our Ellie Krieger-inspired Real Good Food Recipes Chicken, we focus on wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients that deliver bold flavors while keeping preparation simple and healthy. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they are used, with prep specifics noted for accuracy.
- Chicken breasts: 4 boneless, skinless breasts (about 1.5 pounds total), rinsed and patted dry to ensure even roasting and moisture retention.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, extra-virgin variety for its heart-healthy fats, used to coat the chicken for better herb adhesion.
- Fresh garlic: 4 cloves, minced for a pungent aroma that infuses the dish early in prep.
- Fresh herbs: 2 tablespoons of chopped rosemary and 1 tablespoon of chopped thyme, selected for their antioxidant properties and to add earthy notes right after oil application.
- Vegetables: 2 cups of mixed veggies like broccoli florets and carrot slices (about 1-inch pieces), washed and trimmed to promote quick cooking alongside the chicken.
- Lemon: 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced for a bright, vitamin C-rich acidity that balances flavors at the end of prep.
- Salt and pepper: 1 teaspoon of sea salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper, freshly ground to enhance seasoning without overpowering the natural tastes.
This selection ensures our recipe aligns with Ellie Krieger’s emphasis on nutritious, real food options for everyday meals.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Ellie Krieger’s Real Good Food Recipes Chicken seamlessly, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure efficient and safe cooking. Building on the wholesome ingredients we’ve discussed, such as boneless, skinless chicken breasts and fresh herbs, selecting the right equipment helps us maintain precision and enhance the dish’s bold, nutritious flavors.
Here’s a curated list of the key tools and equipment, organized by their order of use in the recipe preparation:
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: We start with a sturdy cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife to chop fresh garlic, herbs like rosemary and thyme, and mixed vegetables. This setup allows for quick, even cuts that promote even cooking and nutrient retention.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is crucial for our healthy recipe, so we use standard measuring cups and spoons to portion out extra-virgin olive oil, seasonings, and lemon juice precisely, ensuring the dish’s balanced flavors without excess.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized mixing bowl is next for combining marinades or seasonings with the chicken breasts, helping us blend ingredients evenly for that signature, satisfying taste Ellie Krieger emphasizes.
- Skillet or Baking Dish: Depending on the cooking method, we opt for a non-stick skillet for stovetop searing or a baking dish for oven roasting. Both should be oven-safe up to 400°F to achieve the perfectly tender, flavorful chicken while keeping preparation simple for busy lifestyles.
- Tongs or Spatula: We use heat-resistant tongs or a spatula for flipping and serving the chicken, preventing it from sticking and preserving its juicy texture during cooking.
- Thermometer: For food safety and optimal results, we recommend a digital thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, aligning with Ellie Krieger’s focus on nutritious, real food options.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to transition smoothly into the preparation steps, making our Ellie Krieger’s Real Good Food Recipes Chicken not only delicious but also effortlessly achievable.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our wholesome ingredients and essential tools, let’s prepare Ellie Krieger’s Real Good Chicken dish with confidence and ease. We’ll walk you through each step to create a flavorful, nutrient-packed meal that highlights bold tastes and fresh herbs.
Prep
Before cooking, we focus on prepping our ingredients to ensure everything is ready for a seamless process. Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 pieces, totaling 1.5 pounds) on a sturdy cutting board. Use a sharp chef’s knife to trim any excess fat and cut the chicken into even 1-inch cubes for uniform cooking—this step ensures tender, juicy results every time.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil with 3 minced cloves of fresh garlic, 1 tablespoon each of chopped rosemary and thyme, the zest and juice of 1 lemon, and 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper for a vibrant, aromatic blend. Add 2 cups of mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, chopped into ½-inch pieces) to the bowl, tossing everything together until evenly coated—the herbs and citrus will release a fresh, invigorating scent that promises a burst of flavor in every bite.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, we move to cooking for optimal texture and taste. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil until it shimmers, then add the marinated chicken cubes. Sear them for 5-7 minutes per side, flipping with tongs for an even golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and enhances the savory, herbaceous notes.
Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (checked with a digital thermometer for food safety), add the vegetable mixture to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp—the sizzling sounds and rising aromas will fill your kitchen, creating a mouthwatering symphony of earthy herbs and zesty lemon that makes this dish irresistible.
Assemble
Finally, we assemble the dish to showcase its vibrant colors and flavors. Transfer the cooked chicken and vegetables from the skillet to a serving platter, arranging the chicken pieces prominently alongside the mixed vegetables for a visually appealing presentation.
Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the top for added moisture and depth, then garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, tender chicken paired with crisp vegetables—the combination delivers a satisfying crunch and a burst of bright, tangy flavors that align perfectly with Ellie Krieger’s philosophy of real, good food.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To maximize convenience with Ellie Krieger’s Real Good Food Recipes Chicken, we recommend preparing components in advance without compromising the dish’s bold flavors and nutritious appeal. This approach aligns perfectly with Krieger’s philosophy of simplifying healthy eating for busy lifestyles, allowing us to enjoy a wholesome, home-cooked meal with minimal effort on the day of serving.
Preparing the Chicken and Marinade
Follow these steps to prep the chicken ahead of time, ensuring it absorbs the vibrant flavors of garlic, herbs, and lemon for a more tender result:
- Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into even cubes as outlined in our preparation instructions. This keeps the pieces uniform for even marinating.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, minced fresh garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, and any seasonings. We find that letting these ingredients meld enhances the dish’s aromatic profile.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing thoroughly to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
Handling Vegetables and Other Components
For the mixed vegetables, prepping them in advance maintains their tender-crisp texture and nutrient density:
- Wash and chop the vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots) into bite-sized pieces. We suggest storing them separately from the chicken to prevent sogginess.
- If including lemon juice or fresh herbs for garnish, prepare these just before storage to preserve their bright, zesty notes.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage is key to food safety and flavor retention. Below is a quick reference table for optimal make-ahead practices:
| Component | Storage Method | Recommended Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marinated Chicken | Refrigerate in an airtight container | Up to 24 hours | Ensure the container is sealed to lock in flavors and prevent contamination. |
| Chopped Vegetables | Store in a sealed plastic bag or container in the refrigerator | Up to 48 hours | Pat dry after chopping to avoid excess moisture that could lead to wilting. |
| Full Assembled Dish | If partially cooked, cool then refrigerate in a covered dish | Up to 1 day | Do not assemble fully until ready to cook to maintain freshness. |
Reheating and Finishing Touches
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, then sear the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Add the pre-chopped vegetables and stir-fry until they reach a tender-crisp state, allowing the herbs’ earthy aromas to fill your kitchen.
- For the best results, we advise garnishing with fresh thyme and drizzling with pan juices right before serving to enhance the visual appeal and sensory experience of this nutritious chicken dish.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring Ellie Krieger’s chicken recipe and its blend of simplicity and nutrition. It’s a game-changer for us when we want meals that nourish without fuss.
By incorporating her philosophy, we’re empowered to create balanced dishes that fit our routines. Give it a go and elevate your everyday eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ellie Krieger?
Ellie Krieger is a registered dietitian and cookbook author known for promoting nutritious, delicious meals. She focuses on real, whole foods to make healthy eating accessible and enjoyable, drawing from her background in nutrition to create balanced recipes like this flavorful chicken dish.
What ingredients are in Ellie Krieger’s chicken recipe?
The recipe features boneless, skinless chicken breasts, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, herbs like rosemary and thyme, mixed vegetables, lemon, and seasonings. These nutrient-dense ingredients emphasize wholesome flavors, aligning with Krieger’s philosophy of simple, healthy eating for everyday meals.
What tools are needed to prepare the dish?
You’ll need a sturdy cutting board, chef’s knife, measuring cups and spoons, a mixing bowl, skillet or baking dish, tongs or spatula, and a digital thermometer for safety. These essentials ensure easy, efficient preparation while maintaining food quality and hygiene.
How do I prepare Ellie Krieger’s chicken dish?
Start by cutting chicken into cubes and marinating with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and lemon zest. Sear until golden brown, then stir-fry with vegetables until tender-crisp. Assemble on a platter, garnish with thyme, and drizzle with pan juices for a tasty, nutritious meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the chicken and prep vegetables in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture and flavor, ensuring chicken reaches 165°F for safety. This makes it ideal for busy schedules without losing freshness.
What tips can enhance serving the dish?
Garnish just before serving with fresh thyme and a lemon drizzle for visual appeal and extra flavor. Pair with whole grains or salad for balance, and use a digital thermometer to check doneness. This keeps the meal vibrant, satisfying, and true to Krieger’s real food approach.