chicken cacciatore over cous cous

Boy oh boy life has been busy!  Last week I made a big pot o' chili to get me through the week so I apologize for the post shortage.  Tonight I came home from work a little early and energized to cook dinner so whipped up a pot of chicken cacciatore.  It's an easy and veggie-full recipe, and it's pairs well with pasta, polenta, rice, and cous cous!  And it's healthy too!  The tomatoes in the recipe are packed with antioxidants, aka powerhouse nutrients that protect against certain cancers.  Tomatoes also have vitamin A and C.  This is also a naturally low fat/low calorie recipe so if your watching your waist line, be sure to add this recipe to your repertoire. 

Chicken Cacciatore (serves 2--big portion loaded with vegetables!)
Ingredients:
2 skinless chicken thighs (or breast), cut in chunks
1 tsp olive oil
1 tbsp crushed garlic
1 medium green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 small onion, sliced
1 can diced tomatoes (no added salt if available)
1-2 tbsp tomato paste
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley 
(optional: grated cheese, crushed red pepper, oregano, salt to taste)


Start by adding 1 tsp of olive oil in a large frying pan on high heat.  Let the oil get hot in the pan then add the chicken chunks and garlic.  Let the chicken cook for about 4 minutes on each side.

 Turn the heat to medium-low and add the bell pepper and onion.  Try not to let the vegetables brown, so stir frequently and adjust the heat as needed.  

 Next add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste.  Canned tomato products are really high in sodium, so when ever possible try to buy the no added salt version, you can always add a little bit of salt in the cooking process or once the meal is plated.  Add the parsley and let simmer for about a half hour, until the peppers have softened.

 

 

Serve with any grain of your choice.  I made a quick batch of whole wheat cous cous-- follow the instructions on the box for whichever grain you choose.  

This was a great easy meal to prepare and it's good left over as well.  The only thing missing was a big piece of warm crusty bread!