Chicken breast with beans
Description
I don't know about you, but I find it unnatural to spend more than half an hour preparing a meal. Sure, for a special occasion, I'm happy to make something truly elaborate and extraordinary. But spending an hour or more cooking on a regular weekday? I just can't afford that—I'm studying and working, and I don't have much free time. There are so many interesting and unexplored things in the world that I can't justify spending too much time just to satisfy my hunger :) That's why I love dishes that are quick to make—within 20–30 minutes—yet are still proper hot meals, not just some fast food. Chicken fillet with beans is exactly such a dish: simple to prepare even if you come home tired from work and your fridge is practically empty. You can always keep chicken fillet frozen, and canned beans last for months. Twenty minutes, no fuss at all, minimal ingredients—and you've got a tasty, elegant, and attractive dish on your plate. Isn't that like a dream? :) For everyone interested, here's how to make it:
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Cut the chicken breast into small pieces.
- 2
Step 2
Generously sprinkle the chicken with spices.
- 3
Step 3
Mix well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes so the spices are absorbed into the chicken meat.
- 4
Step 4
In a skillet, heat the olive oil. Place the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on one side.
- 5
Step 5
Flip and sear the other side. Cook until the chicken is fully done (it cooks quickly, don't overcook). The exact cooking time depends on the size of the pieces.
- 6
Step 6
Meanwhile, let's prepare the beans. Our beans are already canned, so they don't need cooking—just warming up. To avoid dirtying extra dishes, I do this: I put the desired amount of beans onto a serving plate and heat them in the microwave for one to one and a half minutes, until they're warm. Of course, you could reheat the beans in a frying pan, but the microwave is simpler and faster.
- 7
Step 7
Place the chicken fillet, fried until fully cooked, on top of the beans. Essentially, the dish is already ready—the beans serve as a side, and the chicken as the main component. At this point, the recipe for chicken fillet with beans can be considered complete, but I suggest making the dish even more delicious.
- 8
Step 8
Sprinkle the dish with grated cheese on top.
- 9
Step 9
Dice the tomato into small cubes and add to the plate. I'll repeat, cheese and tomatoes are optional—you can do without them.
- 10
Step 10
Serve the dish with sour cream, drizzled with lemon or lime juice, and sprinkled with fresh herbs. ;)