Tender Spanish Chicken Stew with Sauteed Spinach and Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Tips for Experienced Cooks
To elevate the flavors in the stew, consider searing the chicken with a small amount of smoked paprika. This will add a depth of flavor and a hint of smoke. Additionally, explore using fresh tomatoes instead of canned, roasting them beforehand to concentrate their flavor. For the mashed potatoes, adding roasted garlic instead of raw minced garlic can create a more mellow and complex flavor profile. Finally, for the spinach, finishing it with a squeeze of lemon juice will add brightness to the dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Rub the chicken breasts with the spice mixture prepared in the previous step.
- 4 chicken breasts
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chicken breasts from step 2
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Step 5: Finish the Stew
Return the chicken breasts to the pot and add the diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- Chicken breasts from step 3
Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the minced garlic, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
- 4 potatoes, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step 7: Sauté the Spinach
In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the baby spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups baby spinach
Step 8: Serve
To serve, divide the sautéed spinach among 4 plates. Top with a portion of the Spanish chicken stew and serve alongside the garlic mashed potatoes.
Meat, Eggs, & Dairy
- 4 whole chicken breast
Pantry Items
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh Produce & Herbs
- 1 whole onion
- 2 whole bell pepper
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 4 large potato
Seasonings & Spices
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
