- Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- Red wine (or beef stock as an alternative)
Steps
### Tasty Mirepoix Braised Chicken Breasts Recipe
Braised chicken breasts in a delicious mirepoix ragout is a hearty, flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe not only ensures tender, juicy chicken but also delivers an aromatic and savory sauce made from the classic French technique of mirepoix.
#### Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Fresh thyme or oregano (optional)
- 2 sprigs fresh parsley for garnish
#### Instructions:
**Step 1: Prepare the Mirepoix**
Start by preparing your mirepoix, a mixture of finely chopped vegetables that forms the base of many classic sauces. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they are tender and translucent (about 8-10 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
**Step 2: Season and Brown Chicken**
Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat a separate large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom. Once hot, place the chicken breasts skin-side down first if available (skin will crisp up). Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
**Step 3: Add Mirepoix and Broth**
Transfer the seared chicken to a plate. In the same skillet with the mirepoix, add chicken broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, and optional herbs like thyme or oregano. Stir well to combine, then return the chicken breasts to the pan.
**Step 4: Simmer and Braise**
Reduce heat to low-medium and let it simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender. The sauce should be rich and flavorful by this time. Adjust seasoning if needed.
**Step 5: Serve**
Remove bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves. Serve immediately over steamed rice or with a side salad for a balanced meal.
#### SEO Tips:
- **Keywords**: Use keywords like "mirepoix," "braised chicken breasts," and "tasty ragout" throughout the recipe to improve search engine visibility.
- **Meta Descriptions**: Include a brief description of the dish in meta tags, such as `<meta name="description" content="Discover how to make tender braised chicken breasts with a flavorful mirepoix ragout. Perfect for dinner parties or family meals!">`.
- **Headings**: Use H1 and H2 tags to organize your recipe. For example:
- `<h2>Ingredients:</h2>` and `<h2>Instructions:</h2>`
Optimizing your content this way will help search engines understand the context of your recipe, making it easier for users to find when searching online.
Enjoy cooking up a flavorful and comforting meal that is sure to impress!