Berry Cherry Almond Overnight Oats: Imagine waking up to a breakfast that tastes like dessert but fuels your body with wholesome goodness. A breakfast that requires absolutely no morning effort, just a grab-and-go delight waiting in your refrigerator. That’s the magic of overnight oats, and this particular recipe takes it to a whole new level.
Overnight oats, a modern twist on traditional porridge, have gained immense popularity for their convenience and versatility. While the concept might seem new, soaking grains to improve digestibility has been practiced for centuries across various cultures. This Berry Cherry Almond Overnight Oats recipe builds upon that foundation, adding a burst of fruity flavors and satisfying crunch.
What makes this recipe so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of creamy oats, juicy berries, tart cherries, and the subtle nutty flavor of almonds. The overnight soaking process transforms the oats into a luxuriously soft and creamy texture, eliminating the need for cooking. People adore overnight oats because they are incredibly customizable, allowing you to tailor the ingredients to your preferences and dietary needs. Plus, they are a fantastic make-ahead option for busy mornings, ensuring you start your day with a nutritious and delicious meal. Get ready to experience breakfast bliss!
Ingredients:
- Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Potatoes: 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- Peppers: 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- Peppers: 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- Onion: 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- Mushrooms: 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- Cherry Peppers: 1/2 cup jarred hot cherry peppers, drained and sliced (adjust to taste)
- Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- White Wine: 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste
- Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
- First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely in the pan. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!
- Next, prepare all your vegetables. Peel and cube the potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. I prefer Yukon Golds because they hold their shape well during cooking and have a creamy texture. Chop the green and red bell peppers into similar-sized pieces. Chop the onion. Slice the mushrooms. Mince the garlic. And finally, slice the hot cherry peppers. Remember, the cherry peppers add a kick, so adjust the amount to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and taste as you go.
Searing the Chicken
- Now, let’s sear the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be nice and hot before adding the chicken.
- Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. If necessary, work in batches.
- Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side, until it’s nicely browned. You’re not trying to cook it all the way through at this point, just develop a good crust.
- Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Cooking the Vegetables
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Add the chopped bell peppers and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender-crisp and the mushrooms have released their moisture and started to brown. Stir occasionally.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine with the other vegetables.
- Season the vegetables with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Bringing It All Together
- Pour in the chicken broth and white wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits add a lot of flavor to the dish.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet.
- Add the sliced hot cherry peppers.
- Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth.
Finishing Touches
- Once the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Stir in the butter. This will add richness and a glossy sheen to the sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or hot cherry peppers, depending on your preference.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Murphy is delicious served on its own as a hearty one-pot meal. It also pairs well with:
- Crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce
- Rice
- Pasta
- A simple green salad
Tips and Variations
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot cherry peppers to your liking. For a milder dish, use fewer peppers or remove the seeds. For a spicier dish, use more peppers or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as zucchini, carrots, or celery.
- Potatoes: You can use other types of potatoes, such as red potatoes or russet potatoes, but keep in mind that they may cook differently.
- Wine: If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute it with more chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice.
- Cheese: Some variations of Chicken Murphy include cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone. If you want to add cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the dish during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Make Ahead: Chicken Murphy can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors will actually meld together even more as it sits.
- Slow Cooker: This recipe can also be adapted for the slow cooker. Sear the chicken and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, white wine, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the butter and parsley before serving.
- Broth: Using homemade chicken broth will elevate the flavor even more.
- Browning: Don’t skip the searing step! It adds a depth of flavor that is crucial to the final dish. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken.
- Deglazing: Deglazing the pan with white wine (or chicken broth) is important to scrape up all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 40-50g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Enjoy!
I hope you enjoy this recipe for Chicken Murphy! It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out!
Conclusion:
And there you have it! This Chicken Murphy recipe is truly a must-try for anyone looking to add a burst of flavor and a touch of excitement to their dinner routine. I know, I know, there are a million chicken recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The combination of the tender chicken, the spicy peppers, the savory sausage, and the creamy potatoes creates a symphony of tastes and textures that will have your taste buds singing. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, familiar yet surprisingly unique.
What makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of heat and richness. The cherry peppers bring a delightful kick that’s tempered by the creamy sauce and the hearty potatoes. The sausage adds a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. And the chicken, well, it’s the star of the show, soaking up all those delicious flavors and becoming incredibly tender and juicy.
But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your own preferences. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can reduce the amount of cherry peppers or even substitute them with sweet bell peppers for a milder flavor. Want to add even more vegetables? Throw in some mushrooms, onions, or zucchini. The possibilities are endless!
Serving suggestions? Oh, let me count the ways! This Chicken Murphy is fantastic served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even pasta. For a lighter option, you can serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. And don’t forget the crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce!
Here are a few more ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Serving Variations:
* Chicken Murphy Pasta: Toss the cooked chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta shape for a hearty and satisfying meal. Penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine would work perfectly.
* Chicken Murphy Bowls: Create a delicious and healthy bowl by layering rice, quinoa, or couscous with the chicken, sauce, and your favorite toppings like avocado, black beans, and corn.
* Chicken Murphy Sandwiches: Shred the chicken and pile it onto crusty rolls with some of the sauce for a flavorful and satisfying sandwich. Add some provolone cheese for extra indulgence.
* Chicken Murphy Pizza Topping: Use the chicken and sauce as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza. Add some mozzarella cheese and your favorite vegetables for a unique and delicious pizza.
I truly believe that this Chicken Murphy recipe is a winner. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. It’s the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and give this recipe a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much you enjoyed it. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me an email. I’m always eager to hear from fellow food lovers. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your Chicken Murphy adventures!
Chicken Murphy: The Ultimate Guide to This Classic Dish
Chicken Murphy is a flavorful Italian-American dish featuring chicken sautéed with potatoes, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and hot cherry peppers in a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds chicken parts
- Salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 pound small potatoes, quartered
- 1 cup pepperoncini peppers, drained
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add onions, peppers, and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Add cherry peppers, pepperoncini, and potatoes.
- Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
- Stir in butter and fresh parsley.
- Serve hot.
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Notes
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to your preference.
- If you don’t have cherry peppers, you can substitute banana peppers or other pickled peppers.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
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