Chicken Nicoise
A flavorful chicken Nicoise-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a hearty and comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boned and skinned chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, sliced ⓘ
- 1 yellow onion, quartered ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried parsley ⓘ
- 1 box vermicelli or thin spaghetti ⓘ
- 1 can whole peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 can chicken broth ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a frying pan, sauté the green pepper, onion, and garlic in the oil until the onions are softened.
- Chop the canned tomatoes coarsely and add them to the pan.
- Add the tomato paste and dilute with some of the liquid from the canned tomatoes.
- Add the chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to the pan.
- Simmer the mixture until flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
- Meanwhile, cook the vermicelli or thin spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Cook the chicken breasts until fully done, then slice or serve whole.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. If you're out of vermicelli or thin spaghetti, any pasta shape will work. You can also add some olives or capers for an authentic touch. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if you prefer a spicier kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Nicoise over the cooked vermicelli or spaghetti, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a refreshing contrast, consider a side of Sunomono, which adds a nice crunch and acidity to the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Nicoise contains roughly 1586 calories, with 25g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 136g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (157% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (156% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1173mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or even fish like salmon for a lighter dish. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly; fish will cook much quicker than chicken.
What can I do if I don't have canned tomatoes?
If you don't have canned tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead. Just blanch them to remove the skins, chop, and add them to the pan. You could also use a store-bought tomato sauce if you're in a pinch, but this may alter the flavor profile slightly.
How spicy can I make this dish?
To add some heat, you can incorporate red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño into the sautéed vegetables. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to find your desired level of spiciness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).