Arizona Chicken is a delightful recipe with a Southwest flair that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. This dish holds a special place in my collection of recipes, and it has become one of my husband’s all-time favorites. The combination of moist and flavorful chicken, paired with a rich blend of Southwestern ingredients, creates a culinary experience that suits any occasion perfectly.
The star of this dish is the tender boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cooked to perfection in a skillet to achieve a golden brown color. The chicken is then combined with a medley of fresh, chopped tomatoes, sliced celery, and pimiento-stuffed olives, adding a burst of color and tangy flavor to the mix. The aromatic blend of garlic powder and dried oregano infuses the dish with the authentic taste of the Southwest.
Arizona Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with either pasta or rice, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences. Its vibrant flavors and hearty appeal make it an excellent choice for both casual weeknight dinners and special gatherings with loved ones.
INGREDIENTS:
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
- ¼ cup canola oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt, optional
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
PREPARATIONS:
- In a skillet, brown chicken on both sides in 2 tablespoons of oil. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onion in remaining oil until tender. Add the tomatoes, celery, water, olives, garlic powder, oregano, salt if desired, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Return chicken to pan. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Add mushrooms; simmer 15 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 170°.
YIELD: 6 servings
COOKING TIME: 45 minutes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- The optional salt can be omitted if you prefer a lower-sodium dish.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken breasts to ensure they are cooked through.
TIPS:
- For an extra kick of spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture.
- If you prefer a saucier dish, you can add a splash of chicken broth or tomato sauce to the skillet during the simmering process.
Arizona Chicken is a taste sensation that brings the vibrant flavors of the Southwest to your dinner table. This dish, with its tender and juicy chicken breasts, combined with a tantalizing blend of fresh vegetables and pimiento-stuffed olives, creates a symphony of tastes that will make it an instant hit with your family and guests.
The beauty of Arizona Chicken lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its versatility. Served with either pasta or rice, you have the flexibility to tailor this dish to suit your family’s preferences and pair it with your favorite side dishes. The robust and aromatic blend of garlic powder and dried oregano transports you to the sun-kissed landscapes of the Southwest with each savory bite.
