Weight Loss and Fitness

BAKED ITALIAN CHICKEN AND POTATOES WITH HERB VINAIGRETTE

By cantstayoutofthekitchen.com - Teresa Ambra

Serves: 4

CHICKEN:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 4 chicken thigh fillets, skin on and bone in

olive oil

1 can chopped tomatoes

250g/10-oz. cherry tomatoes

1 ½ lbs. petite red potatoes OR Sweet potatoes, washed or 3 medium size potatoes (1 ½ lbs.), peeled and cut into bite size pieces

100g/½ cup cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

HERB VINAIGRETTE:

2 tbsp. fresh chopped thyme leaves

2 tbsp. fresh chopped oregano leaves

1 or 2 tbsp. fresh chopped rosemary leaves (only use 2 if you’re used to the flavor)

⅔ tsp. minced garlic from a jar or 2 garlic cloves, minced

3 tbsp. white wine vinegar (red wine vinegar will also work)

3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F/175C.   Boil the potatoes until slightly undercooked.  Drain.  Scrape the potatoes with a fork to score the potatoes.  This allows the potatoes to absorb the vinaigrette.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Set aside.  While the potatoes are boiling, season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.  Heat a few tablespoonfuls of olive oil in a large pan over high heat.  Add chicken and brown well on both sides, about 10 minutes for each side for really large chicken breasts—about 3 minutes per side for thighs.  Place chicken in a casserole dish and place potatoes around the chicken.  Pour the can of crushed or diced tomatoes around the chicken and potatoes.  Sprinkle meat and veggies with salt and pepper, as desired.  Drizzle the Herb Vinaigrette over all the chicken and potatoes.  Place the cherry tomatoes on top.  Bake casserole for 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.  (This will take less time for chicken thighs – 20-30 minutes).  Remove casserole dish from oven and sprinkle cheddar cheese over top.  Return casserole to oven and bake an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.  Allow casserole to stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving.  Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

HERB VINAIGRETTE:

Chop herbs and garlic.  Mix with oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.  Pour over chicken and potatoes in baking dish as directed above.