My hubby was my “guinea pig” this week, bravely trying a more “feminine” dish. To his surprise, he loved it! After he scrapped the last piece of rice off of his dish, I asked “So, did you like your dinner?” He smiled and said “Nope…not at all, I think I’ll have to try it again to make sure though…”
This dinner is allergy friendly, sweet and savory, and all together delish! {My favorite? The sauce….it’s sooo good}.
I always marinate my chicken in something. Today it was in Italian dressing {I do love Newman’s Own Olive Oil and Vinegar}. These are organic thinly sliced chicken breasts. Now ladies…you know I am not picky about things. But, I am with my chicken. It must be organic. Have you noticed how hugondous chicken breasts have become? It’s because they are pumped up with steroids and hormones! They are tough, have less flavor, and do not cook as evenly as the smaller organic chicken breasts. Moving on….
After the chicken is finished marinating add a sprinkle of salt, pepper and Thyme. Don’t add too much Thyme..just a little goes a long way. But, this is what gives you that savory taste…this combined with the other flavors makes a delicious marriage.
*Tip…I use grill foil on my grill. It prevents my chicken from sticking and clean up is a cinch!
Combine equal parts of balsamic and honey on the stove top and let simmer, stirring constantly. If you want to get fancy…it’s called a “reduction”. Some of the liquid evaporates, causing the mixture to thicken and have a bolder flavor. Mmmmm….my favorite part!
Cook rice according to directions. Place grilled chicken on top of rice, pour reduction over top and garnish with pecan halves, feta cheese, dried cranberries and chick peas. Mmmm…my mouth is watering again!
| Honey Balsamic Chicken over Rice {Allergy Friendly!} |
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 cups cooked brown rice {cook according to package directions}
- 2 cups italian dressing
- salt, pepper, thyme {sprinkle sparingly onto each chicken breast}
- 4 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 4 Tbsp honey
- 1 cup feta cheese
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chick peas
- Marinate chicken breasts in Italian dressing for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Grill appx 5-7 mins on each side until done.
- Make brown rice according to package directions. Set aside.
- Pour balsamic and honey into a small sauce pan, bring to a simmer on med-high heat and stir until it thickens {about 3-5 mins}.
- Place rice on dish, top with chicken, ladle on sauce, and garnish with chick peas, feta cheese and cranberries.
New follower!!! Mmmmmm, this looks so yummy! Can’t wait to try it!
Welcome Melissa!
Hi Janelle:
Just wondering where you buy your oganic chicken from–whole Foods? Do you specifically request that the chicken be thinly sliced? I agree that chicken breasts are too big.
Hi Ruby! I do on occasion as for thinly sliced, but you can also pound your chicken or butterfly it. I buy my chicken frozen from a market..we live around many farms. I have not been to Whole Foods yet, but there is one about 30 mins away I have been wanting to scoop out!
thank you. Love your website!
Hi Janelle,
Would this meal be easy to take to a friend? If so, how would you package it? The recipe looks delicious!
Adina
Hi Adina! Yes, It would…especially for a friend who has food allergies/intolerances. So often people with these digestive problems get a delicious homemade lasagna delivered and they can’t eat it ;( I would package this as is, but I would place the glaze on the side in a covered ramekin. It’s a beautiful dish that anyone would appreciate! Thanks Adina!
This is right up my alley! It looks delicious… going on my menu!
Janelle, thank you so much for all the wonderful recipes. This one looks really great. For how long do you marinate the chicken in the dressing?
You’re such a blessing,
Priscilla
Hi Janelle. Thank you so much for this recipe! I didn’t follow it 100% based on the ingredients I already had, but it was a hit. My husband loved it so much! I blogged about it too 🙂 thanks!
http://hannahgj.blogspot.com/2012/10/winner-winner-chicken-dinner.html
Hi Janelle, This dish was delish!!! I felt like I was eating at a nice restaurant and it came from my own kitchen. My husband asked for another whole serving, but I didn’t have that much left over. This will be on the menu when I have company over. Thanks for sharing the recipe 😉
Aww- that is awesome, Wendy!
I made this last night and everyone loved it! Thank you!
Hi Janelle, I’m a new Comfy in the Kitchen follower… although I’ve received some of your recipes via my subscription to WLW! 🙂 BTW My family enjoyed your Low-Fat Chili Recipe and I’m looking forward to making the Honey Balsamic Chicken over Rice this week!!
Thank you!