Barnegat Bay Chicken is a dish inspired by the rich maritime heritage of Barnegat Bay in New Jersey, blending coastal flavors with hearty ingredients. This dish features tender chicken breasts simmered in a savory sauce made with fresh herbs, garlic, and a splash of white wine, reminiscent of the bay’s cool breeze and rustic charm. The chicken is paired with a medley of vegetables, including bell peppers and tomatoes, to create a colorful and flavorful meal. Serve this dish with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, and you’ll have a meal that transports you straight to the shores of Barnegat Bay.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
- Make the Sauce:
- Pour in the white wine, stirring to deglaze the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the chicken broth, thyme, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Chicken:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and vegetables.
- Add the cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chicken simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the sauce.
- Serve:
- Once the chicken is tender and fully cooked, remove from heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to enjoy the flavorful sauce.
This Barnegat Bay Chicken brings together the freshness of the coast with the comforting flavors of a home-cooked meal, perfect for any occasion.
