An Odd but Delicious Friday Night Dinner

Odd but Delicious Friday Dinner
An Odd but Delicious Friday Night Dinner

I was out and about yesterday afternoon, so I thought I would go ahead and get some ideas for our Friday night dinner.  I messaged Shawn to see if he wanted anything in particular. His response was he wasn’t all that hungry. Fast forward five minutes later and he threw out the suggestion of KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) bowls, but still said he wasn’t really hungry. Well, that was helpful! Hahaha! I generally make a copycat version of the KFC bowls instead of buying them from KFC.  My “KFC” bowls may not be as tasty as KFC, but they are far less expensive, and I have to believe a bit healthier.  This doesn’t sound like an odd but delicious meal at all, does it?

What Could It Be?

Although the “KFC” bowls sounded delicious, I wanted something a bit healthier. Perhaps something with grilled chicken, zucchini and onions.  I was also craving artichokes though. Hmm…I put my thinking cap on 💡 , and came up with a very odd sounding, but actually a quite delicious meal. Is the suspense killing you yet? Haha ?

The Mystery Revealed

Okay, okay, I will finally tell you what in the world we had that was odd yet delicious.  Well, it went a little something like this…balsamic grilled chicken breast, sautéed zucchini, onions, artichokes, and chickpeas. I know, I know, it sounds incredibly odd. However odd it may sound, we actually really enjoyed it and it is pretty darn healthy too.

So if you are looking for a unique, easy, and healthy meal give it a try and tell me what you think!

Balsamic Chicken with Zucchini, Onion, Artichokes, and Chickpeas

Ingredients

I don’t measure a lot of what I cook unless I’m baking so all of the measurements below are estimates.  I really think this is an adaptable meal, so use as much or as little of the seasoning as you like.

The Chicken
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 2 Tbsp plus 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp plus 1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tbsp garlic minced or 1.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Tony Chachere’s original creole seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp salt (to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp pepper (to taste)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  1. Marinate chicken breasts in the 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce, garlic, Tony Chachere’s, salt and pepper for about 20 minutes or so. Make sure to coat both sides of the chicken breasts.  I just marinated it while I was preparing the side dish.
  2. When you are ready to cook the chicken add the 2 Tbsp olive oil to the pan and heat on medium for a couple of minutes.
  3. Add the chicken, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, and 1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce.
  4. Cook on medium heat until edges are opaque, about 10 minutes.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low
  6. Flip chicken to other side.
  7. Cover with lid or aluminum foil.
  8. Cook an additional 10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

*If you find your pan is a bit dry during cooking you can add a little water and/or a little more balsamic and worcestershire. We like ours extra saucy.

The Sides
  • 1 red onion, sliced or cut as you like
  • 2 zucchinis, cut as you like
  • 1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained
  • 1 can artichoke hearts, drained
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tbsp garlic minced or 1.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Tony Chachere’s original creole seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  1. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and sauté for a couple of minutes.
  3. Add drained chickpeas, balsamic vinegar, worcestershire sauce, garlic, and Tony Chachere’s.
  4. Sauté for about minutes or so.
  5. Add drained artichoke hearts.
  6. Sauté for a couple of minutes.
  7. Add zucchini.
  8. Sauté until zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp.

*Again, feel free to add more balsamic and/or worcestershire sauce.

For more great recipes, have a look at our other What’s Cooking posts.  Also, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Patreon. Happy cooking and smooth sailing!

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