Let me preface this by admitting that I’m not the most gifted cook. My repertoire involves a lot of “healthy hacks” that sometimes resemble science experiments more than edible meals. So, when my husband, a self-proclaimed food connoisseur, declares a dish his all-time favorite, my ears perk up. Intrigue sets in, my culinary detective hat goes on, and I embark on a mission to unlock the secret behind this dish’s magic.
Enter “My Husband’s Favorite Food,” a name deceptively simple yet surprisingly accurate. This creation boasts tender, golden chicken bathed in a sauce that dances between sweet and savory, all nestled alongside a vibrant coleslaw bursting with color and freshness. It’s a meal that satisfies on both flavor and presentation, perfect for busy weeknights or dazzling guests.
But what truly elevates this recipe is its ease. Gone are the days of slaving over the stove for hours. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, relying on simple ingredients and minimal fuss. It’s like a culinary magic trick, transforming basic pantry staples into something truly extraordinary.
So, are you ready to join me on this culinary adventure? Let’s unveil the secrets behind the incredible chicken dish that stole my husband’s heart (and maybe yours too)!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2-3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1.5 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
For the Coleslaw:
- 150g white cabbage, thinly sliced
- 150g red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 1 sweet and sour apple, thinly sliced (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tomato, diced
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Dredge the chicken breasts in flour, shaking off any excess. Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Flavorful Sauce: Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Reduce heat to medium and pour in the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Chicken Through: Return the chicken breasts to the pan and simmer in the sauce for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Turn the chicken occasionally to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Coleslaw Time: While the chicken simmers, prepare the coleslaw. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbages, red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, carrot, and apple (if using).
- Dressing it Up: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, tomato, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the coleslaw and toss to combine.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the chicken breasts, spooning the sauce over them. Serve alongside the vibrant coleslaw for a complete and delicious meal.
Tips
- For extra crispy chicken, use a combination of flour and cornstarch in the dredging process.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey.
- Serve with your favorite rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the finished dish for a pop of color and flavor.
This recipe is truly versatile. You can swap out the vegetables in the coleslaw for your favorites, or use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor. No matter how you tweak it, this easy and flavorful chicken dish is sure to be a hit!
