| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 375 | 15g | 4g | 16g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 2g | 40g | 0.8g |
When I think back to my Midwestern upbringing, my mind is filled with the comforting images of family meals, dishes steaming on the table, and laughter filling the air. Even now, one of the recipes that encapsulate these cherished moments is the Rosemary Chicken with Barberry Sauce. This dish, albeit seemingly simple, tells a complex story with its explosion of flavors. Just one bite of this, and you will understand why this recipe holds a special place in my heart.
A Stew of Sumptuous Flavors
In this beautiful marriage of ingredients, we see the quintessential Midwestern charm rise to prominence. The chicken, seasoned to perfection with salt and pepper, carries the rustic flavors brought forth by the olive oil, rosemary, and garlic. Complementing these robust flavors is a delicate, fruity tang from the barberries – a testament to the sublime freshness we hold dear in farm-to-table cooking. The rich chicken broth, the sweet hint of honey, and the light crispiness of the cornstarch seal the deal, as does the finishing touch of butter melting atop the chicken. This is what makes the Rosemary Chicken with Barberry Sauce unique – a symphony of taste, uniting homely comfort with the elegance of gourmet cooking.
A Marriage of Tradition and Health
Aside from the gustatory delight that it brings, the Rosemary Chicken with Barberry Sauce is a treasure trove of health benefits. The humble chicken, known for its high protein content and essential nutrients, provides the base. The rosemary and garlic, power-packed sources of antioxidants, come next, while the olive oil strengthens our hearts. The barberries, though tiny, have immense health benefits, including improving our digestion and fortifying our immune systems. As you savor this meal, not only are you feeding your body a splendid array of nutrients but you are also keeping lifestyle ailments at bay.
For me, this chicken dish brings back memories of cozy family dinners and hearty Sunday meals after church. Its flavors and the warmth it exudes are akin to the classic Midwestern dishes of corn casseroles and beef stews. That said, I also see it working wonders as a fitting main dish alongside lighter salads or roasted vegetables, creating a balanced, nutritious meal.
In essence, each morsel of this Rosemary Chicken with Barberry Sauce offers a pause; a moment to cherish the harmonious blend of tradition, health, and gastronomy that is embodied in farm-to-table cooking. It’s my hope that you’ll enjoy this dish, a flavorful homage to the heartland, just as much as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 6 boneless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup of red wine
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of barberries
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (optional)
Method
Step One
Season the boneless chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper, according to your taste preferences.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook them until they are browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step Three
In the remaining oil, add the minced garlic and fresh rosemary. Sauté them for a minute or two until they release their fragrant aroma.
Step Four
Pour in the red wine into the pan, scraping up any brown bits at the bottom. Let the wine come to a boil and let it reduce till it is approximately half its original volume.
Step Five
Add the chicken broth and barberries to the pan. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, until the barberries are plump and the liquid is reduced by one-third.
Step Six
Stir in the honey and butter and continue to cook the sauce over medium heat until the butter is fully melted and the sauce has thickened slightly. If you would like a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step Seven
Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the barberry sauce over each breast. Continue to cook for a few more minutes until the chicken is heated through.
Step Eight
Serve the rosemary chicken with the barberry sauce hot, spooning extra sauce over the top of each chicken breast for additional flavor. Enjoy!
