Quick Chicken Saute
A quick, flavorful chicken sauté with colorful vegetables and herbs, perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner with pasta or rice.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs ⓘ
- seasoned flour ⓘ
- margarine or oil ⓘ
- 1 onion, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 red pepper, cored, seeded and sliced thin ⓘ
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced lengthwise ⓘ
- 2 zucchini, sliced lengthwise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup white wine or sweet or dry sherry ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon marjoram ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- salt and pepper or seasoned salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Dredge chicken pieces in seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then in skillet, heat margarine or oil.
- Saute chicken, turning once, until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove from pan and keep warm.
- Add more fat to pan if necessary, then add sliced onion and minced garlic. Saute until fragrant.
- Add sliced red pepper and cook for a few minutes.
- Add peeled and sliced carrots, saute a few minutes, then add sliced zucchini, cooking until each vegetable is tender.
- Return cooked chicken to the pan.
- Sprinkle herbs, salt, and pepper over the ingredients, then add white wine or sherry.
- Cover and sauté for several minutes until chicken is hot and flavors meld, adding more liquid if necessary.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker meal, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken as a substitute, adding it during the last few minutes of cooking. If you want to lighten the dish, opt for olive oil instead of margarine. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor, so consider using fresh basil, thyme, and marjoram if available. Pairing with microwaved scalloped potatoes adds a creamy contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make great sides. This chicken sauté pairs beautifully with crunchy curried chicken for a delightful meal combination. For a complete dinner, consider serving it with a light white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken sauté can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, cover, and warm through until heated. You can also use a microwave, but be cautious to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Chicken Saute contains roughly 961 calories, with 33g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), and protein (66% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1124mg per serving (49% 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 different vegetables in this chicken sauté?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can substitute or add your favorite vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms. Just ensure they have similar cooking times so everything cooks evenly. Experimenting with seasonal veggies can also enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition.
Is it possible to make this dish without wine?
Yes, you can easily omit the wine or sherry. Instead, use chicken broth or a splash of vinegar for acidity. This will maintain the dish's flavor profile while keeping it non-alcoholic. Adjust the seasoning slightly to balance the flavors.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. Additionally, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can elevate the spice level. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference for the perfect kick.
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).