Chicken is a staple protein that can be used in a variety of meals, whether you need something quick or aim to impress family and friends at a dinner party. The poultry is incredibly versatile and pairs well with numerous sauces, herbs, spices, and other ingredients.
The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Chicken
One food expert has revealed a simple combination of ingredients that can completely transform a home-cooked chicken dish into a meal you would find at a top-quality restaurant. Food writer Katy O'Hara shared that her secret to making a restaurant-quality chicken dish at home lies with two common ingredients: tomato and basil.
Perfect Pairing for Summer
Her favourite combination? Tomato and basil, a perfect pairing for a summertime lunch. Katy wrote for Simply Recipes: "When it comes to grilled chicken, my mind goes to a classic pairing that makes me feel like I'm eating out at an Italian restaurant. Nothing feels as summery as juicy tomatoes and basil to brighten chicken."
Katy described the pairing as complementing each other, as well as the chicken. She noted: "Tomatoes and basil complement each other well in a variety of dishes. Juicy tomatoes are acidic, and they strike a great balance between sweet and savoury, which pairs well with herbaceous, bright basil. The herb's peppery and liquorice notes can cut through tomatoes' acidity well."
Year-Round Use, Best in Summer
You can use this ingredient pairing all year round, but summer is the best time to find the juiciest and tastiest tomatoes. Katy recommended marinating grilled chicken in balsamic vinegar, topped with fresh tomato and basil. This is not too dissimilar from what you would find topping a classic bruschetta. You could even go as far as topping the chicken with some melted mozzarella or any cheese of your choosing.
Making a Sauce
Tomato and basil can also make a good base for a pomodoro sauce to serve with chicken. Katy continued: "However you're incorporating the flavours, there is one important element to consider to ensure success: timing. While tomatoes can shine in fresh and cooked preparations, it's important to remember that basil is delicate and wilts easily. Unless you're making a sauce that calls for wilting the basil in the sauce, wait to add it to your dish just before serving to preserve its fresh taste and pungent aroma."
