Chicken is kind of a boring protein. Okay, maybe not, maybe it’s just me? Chicken is never my first choice when I sit down at a restaurant and look at the menu. I remember this quote from Anthony Bourdain’s book, Kitchen Confidential (GREAT book): “Chicken is boring. Chefs see it as a menu item for people who don’t know what they want to eat”. When I read that, I remember saying out loud, “Yeah! He’s right!” Chicken is boring and safe.
But it doesn’t have to be. The way I got over the “chicken is boring” lackluster feeling was experimenting with lots of different recipes. I’ve had some favorites, too; recipes that were savory and delicious and I made repeatedly. Here are just a few of my favorites:
Braised Chicken and Spring Vegetables
BBQ Chicken Thighs
Garlic and Soy Chicken Thighs
Mexican Crockpot Chicken
I wish I had another recipe to add to the list, but this recipe was missing something. It wasn’t BAD, but it was just a tad boring. I’ve seen some other bloggers write about balsamic chicken before and loved it. I wonder what this recipe is lacking that I could add? Unfortunately I don’t remember which blogs I read that raved about their balsamic chicken!
I don’t know where I found this recipe. It was in my stack of printouts, with no website on it, so I can’t link to where I found it. But here it is:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 5 ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- Combine all ingredients in a large ziplock bag, mix well. Seal and marinade on refrigerator at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a grill pan over medium heat until hot. Place chicken on pan, discarding excess marinade and cook 6-10 minutes per side, or until no pink remains and juices run clear.
The only balsamic we had on hand was the pomegranate infused balsamic vinegar. I used this because the flavor doesn’t taste like pomegranate. It’s only a hint of sweet. I also added some onion powder to the mixture.
Mix it well and then pour it into the bag. I cut two large chicken breast cutlets in half to make four smaller pieces. I let it marinade for about an hour.
I made a salad as the side dish with the chicken. The chicken was a bit on the bland side, like I said. Maybe it needs a bunch of garlic? Help me out!
QUESTION: Do you think chicken is boring?
Marc
Chicken can be boring, especially an over baked rubbery chicken breast with minimal seasoning. The Filipino’s have a chicken dish I really enjoy. It is chicken adobo. My wife thinks it smells. I also like to dip my chicken in Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce.
Lisa Eirene
I stopped eating chicken for awhile because it was always overcooked. Dry. Boring. We’ve tried some recipes that are pretty good and not boring. I’ll check out your recommendations. BOth sound great!
Roz@weightingfor50
Hmm…never thought of chicken as boring at all. There are so many different “parts” and different things you can do with it. I guess if you had it plain, roasted day after day…yeah, it could be, but its a staple around our house. Have a wonderful Wednesday Lisa.
Lisa Eirene
Do you have a favorite chicken recipe?
julie
Chicken breasts, especially no skin, are low fat white meat, and they are boring. Thighs, wings, come out much better. I hated chicken all my life, now have cooked it a few times, and anytime I try with skinless boneless breasts, it’s dry and bland, but other parts come out good.
Lisa Eirene
Agreed!
We bought chicken thighs at Costco a few years ago because they were much cheaper than the other options. It was like night and day. The chicken thighs were so much better!
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance
I like that this is pretty quick to make, too. I’ve made a balsamic chicken in the slow cooker, so I bet this is just as good.
I agree that chicken can get a little boring. I only make it once a week though, for the reason exactly, and really try to rotate between chicken, seafood (we do a lot of this), vegetarian dishes (lots again) and bison (once/wk or once every two weeks).
Deb
I’m going to have to try this one! I just bought balsamic vinegar at the store on Monday. 🙂
Lisa
I don’t think chicken is boring. My family eats lots of it. It’s a very versatile meat that can be used in all kinds of recipes.
I think your marinade needs garlic, like a couple of cloves minced. And I would let it marinade longer, all day at least.
Lisa Eirene
Garlic ALWAYS makes things better….
Beth
The good thing about chicken is that it is pretty safe most of the time. My favorite way to make chicken is Beer Can chicken – we bought the “Beer Can Chicken Roaster” on Amazon and we make it all the time – all you need is the seasoning and we use a can of diet soda not beer. Easy Peasy. I am also more of a fan of chicken thighs. Another favorite that’s great for entertaining is Chicken Mirabella which is made with garlic, prunes and olives and you usually marinate it overnight (I’m sure you can find a recipe on-line).
Lisa Eirene
I’ve heard of beer can chicken but have never had it before. It sounds pretty good, though. I’ll look for the CHicken Mirabella. That sounds right up my alley.
LisaH
I totally agree with you about chicken being boring, especially boneless chicken breasts. Even though they seem to be a staple in most “diets” I’ve managed to lose a lot of weight over the past year and rarely eat chicken breasts. I too prefer chicken thighs, and since there’s a big package of them in my fridge right now, I might make your balsamic chicken thighs for dinner tonight. I’ll probably add some fresh garlic and a little more seasoning, and will let you know how they turn out.
Lisa Eirene
I’m sure it will be much better with a lot of garlic. One of my favorite chicken recipes is garlic, soy sauce and honey. FANTASTIC! And yes, it’s thighs! So much better.
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate
Chicken IS NOT boring! Roasted chicken is one of my favorite meals.
Lisa Eirene
How do you roast it?
Trevor
As others have already mentioned, only boneless skinless chicken breasts are boring. Anything bone in and skin on is freakin’ delicious. Roast chicken and veggies and chicken cacciatore are my favorite ways to prepare it. Oh, and a hearty chicken soup made with homemade bone broth is one of the least boring soups I know.
Cheers!
Lisa Eirene
I’ve wanted to make homemade chicken soup for years and still haven’t done it. Do you have a favorite recipe?
GiGi Eats Celebrities
HECK NO Chicken is not boring! Lately I have been having pregnancy cravings for this poultry – straight up shredded chicken breast – SO GOOD! Oh and I guess I should mention, I am definitely NOT pregnant. LOL!
Lisa Eirene
Hahaha!