Alright, let's talk Chicken Alfredo! It's a classic for a reason, that creamy, dreamy pasta and succulent chicken just hits the spot, right? But let's be honest, the chicken can be a bit of a stumbling block if you don't know the ropes. Don't worry, though, I'm here to guide you through it and make sure you're serving up some seriously tasty, healthy chicken every time!
Choosing Your Chicken Champion
First things first, what part of the chicken are we working with? Chicken breast is the MVP for most of us, thanks to its lean, boneless nature. But don't count out those boneless thighs! They're richer in flavor and fat, which means extra deliciousness. Whatever you choose, make sure it's skinless – we want that creamy sauce to cling to the chicken, not a layer of soggy skin!
Prep Like a Pro
Now, let’s get our chicken ready for its close-up:
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Thaw Time: If your chicken's been chilling in the freezer, give it a warm bath. Submerge it in a bowl of room-temperature water for about 15-25 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a quick rinse under tap water will do, especially for smaller portions.
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Dry Off: Pat that chicken dry with some paper towels. We want the seasonings to stick, not slide off.
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Spice it Up: A good sprinkle of pepper, paprika, and salt is all you need. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a gourmet touch.
Speeding Up the Process
No one wants to wait forever for their chicken to cook. So, here are a few tricks for faster results:
- For Breasts: Butterfly them by slicing through the center or pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet, rolling pin, or even a sturdy glass. This ensures even cooking in record time.
- For Thighs: Cut them into smaller pieces before cooking. This way, you get even and speedy cooking.
Let's Get Cooking!
You have a few options on how to get that chicken perfectly cooked:
Stovetop Sizzle
- Chicken Breasts: Divide each breast into cutlets, season, and cook in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Flip when they are golden brown and cook through until the internal temp reaches 165F. Slice and set aside.
- Chicken Thighs: Season and sear over medium-high heat until golden brown on all sides and the internal temp hits 165F. Slice into strips to add to your pasta.
Grill Master
- Preheat your grill, grease the grates, and season your chicken. Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side. Once it reaches 160F inside, let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, slice and add to your pasta.
Oven Roast
- Especially great for bone-in thighs. Season them well with butter or an oil-based mix, roast in the oven until the thickest part registers 160F (about 35 minutes). Then shred and add to your pasta.
Frozen Chicken? No Problem!
For the busy cook, using frozen chicken can be a lifesaver. If you are in a real hurry consider cooking the chicken directly into the sauce in an instant pot.
Instant Pot Magic
- Throw your ingredients into the instant pot along with your seasoned frozen chicken. Pressure cook on HIGH for 6 minutes. Release the valve. Remove the chicken to rest, prepare the rest of your alfredo, chop the chicken, and mix it back into the pasta.
Recipe Time - Healthy and Delicious Chicken Alfredo
Here is a simple and delicious recipe for four servings:
Ingredients
- Two boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups of whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream
- One cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Two cloves of minced garlic
- Eight ounces of fettuccini
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Kosher salt
- Freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, season your chicken, and cook for eight minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temp is 160F. Set aside.
- Pour milk and broth into the skillet, add garlic, salt, and pepper. Simmer, then add fettuccini. Cook until al dente (about 8 more minutes).
- Stir in heavy cream until smooth. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat. Slice the chicken, stir into the mix, and serve. Don’t forget to garnish with parsley.
And there you have it—a healthy, mouthwatering Chicken Alfredo that you made all on your own! Remember that cooking with fresh, wholesome ingredients is the key to not only deliciousness but great health, too. So, why not take your healthy cooking journey to the next level with Menuistia? Create custom recipes and plan menus that fit your nutritional needs, easily!. And remember, healthy cooking is a joy, not a chore! So, enjoy the process, experiment, and have fun!