| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 50 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 495 | 23g | 4g | 37g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 5g | 40g | 0.64g |
Some Story, Some History
Is there anything more enticing than the smell of Chicken with Prunes and Almonds slowly bubbling away in your kitchen? This beautiful, gem-like fusion of fruit, protein, and spices hails from the heart of West Coast traditions and classic American comfort food that I, personally, hold dear to my heart. Born and raised in the sunny valleys of California, I’ve always had a strong affinity for meals that not only taste divine but nourish both body and soul. And, scented with aromatic spices such as cinnamon and ginger and sweetened naturally with prunes and honey, this is, indeed, a recipe that does just that.
This dish is reminiscent of traditional Moroccan cuisine, where sweet and savory flavors are seamlessly interweaved into cuisines. And trust me, even those who usually shy away from fruit-based entrees will be in for a healthy and delectable surprise.
The Magic of Prunes and Almonds
Our star ingredients for this recipe, prunes and almonds, are more than just flavor-enhancers. Prunes, despite often being overlooked, are an arsenal of vitamins and minerals. They are an excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and fibers that help in maintaining healthy digestion. Meanwhile, almonds are a powerhouse of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. They contribute an earthy texture, complementing beautifully the soft, sweet prunes and tender chicken in the recipe.
Moreover, the hint of honey brings a touch of natural sweetness to the dish and carries its own goodness of being antioxidant-rich. The use of olive oil, with its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, takes the nutritional value of our featured dish – Chicken with Prunes and Almonds up a few notches.
For a wholesome and hearty menu, I would highly recommend to pair this dish with a simple green leafy salad lightly dressed with lemon and olive oil (external link) or savory Moroccan couscous (external link).
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing a table with your loved ones, serving this sumptuous Chicken with Prunes and Almonds guarantees a delightful and healthful culinary experience. And as a mom to three wonderful adopted children, believe me when I say that this recipe is a sure-fire hit among both adults and kids.
What You’ll Need
- 6 chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup dried prunes
- 1/2 cup blanched almonds
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, take the chicken breasts and season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken, skin-side down, and cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Turn the chicken over and repeat for the other side, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step Three
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the ground cinnamon and ground ginger, and cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
Step Four
Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a spoon to remove any stuck-on bits. Then, add the dried prunes, blanched almonds, and honey. Stir everything to combine.
Step Five
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven, and bake until the chicken is cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
Step Six
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the chicken with the finely chopped fresh parsley and cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Chicken with Prunes and Almonds!
