Byzanti Delight

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (45ml) 3 tablespoons olive oil (45ml)
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 tomatoes, diced 4 tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup red wine (60ml) 1/4 cup red wine (60ml)
• Fresh parsley or mint, for garnish Fresh parsley or mint, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 6g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and coat them evenly. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
3. 3.
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
5. 5.
   Add the diced tomatoes and red wine to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. 6.
   Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and coat them with the tomato sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Serve the Byzanti hot, garnished with fresh parsley or mint. It pairs well with fluffy rice or warm pita bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breasts — To ensure the chicken breasts cook evenly, you can pound them to an even thickness before marinating. This will help them cook more quickly and prevent dryness.
• Ground cinnamon — Use a high-quality cinnamon powder for the best flavor. If you prefer a more subtle cinnamon taste, you can reduce the amount to 1/4 teaspoon.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the skillet.
• To enhance the flavors, let the chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
• If you don't have red wine, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve Byzanti hot, accompanied by fluffy rice or warm pita bread. The dish pairs well with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place the cooked chicken breasts on a bed of fluffy rice and spoon the tomato sauce over them. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or mint for a pop of color.