Garlic marinated chicken with quince is a delightful dish that balances savory and sweet flavors. You'll start by marinating chicken breasts in garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. Sear the chicken until golden, then add sautéed quince for a sweet-tart contrast. Simmer everything together for a flavorful finish, ensuring the chicken cooks to a safe 165°F. Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. There's more to discover about ingredients and techniques that elevate this dish!
History
Garlic marinated chicken has roots that stretch back through time, blending flavors and traditions from various cultures.
Quince, cultivated since ancient times, was cherished by the Greeks and Romans for its unique flavor and health benefits. In Middle Eastern cuisine, you'll find quince paired with savory dishes, balancing the richness of meats like chicken with its tartness. This combination reflects a broader culinary tradition where fruits enhance savory flavors, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking, as seen in dishes that pair fruit with savory meats. Historically, the use of chia seeds in various traditional dishes also illustrates how ancient civilizations incorporated diverse ingredients to create balanced meals.
Quince has long been valued for its unique taste, beautifully complementing rich meats in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.
Garlic, too, has a long history, known for elevating the taste of meats and offering health advantages. Marinating chicken with garlic and quince showcases a historical method of flavor infusion, a practice that's been passed down through generations, enriching your culinary experience. Additionally, the use of butter's malleability in various culinary traditions emphasizes its role in enhancing flavors and creating unique dishes.
Recipe
To prepare this dish, it's essential to allow for some marinating time, preferably overnight, to maximize the flavor infusion.
The cooking process involves sautéing the chicken to achieve a golden-brown crust before adding the quince and any leftover marinade, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors. With the right techniques, this dish can be a highlight at any dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 quince, quartered
- 2 cups lemon water (for soaking quince)
- 1 cup chicken broth (as needed)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by combining the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl to create the marinade.
Coat the chicken breasts generously with the marinade and let them marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the quince by quartering it and soaking it in lemon water to prevent browning.
After marinating, heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chicken until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Once the chicken is browned, add the prepared quince and any remaining marinade to the skillet, then pour in the chicken broth as needed.
Reduce the heat to low and cook slowly, allowing the chicken and quince to become tender and infused with the aromatic flavors.
Extra Tips:
For best results, make sure to marinate the chicken overnight to achieve maximum flavor depth.
If you can't find quince, consider substituting with apples or pears, although the flavor profile will differ.
Additionally, keep an eye on the cooking process and adjust the broth as necessary to maintain moisture in the skillet, ensuring both the chicken and quince remain tender and flavorful.
Enjoy your meal!
Cooking Steps
To start cooking your garlic marinated chicken, you'll want to marinate the chicken first to pack in flavor.
Once it's ready, sear the chicken until it's golden brown, then add quince to the pan for a delicious twist.
Finally, let it simmer until the chicken is tender and infused with all the tasty ingredients.
Step 1. Marinate Chicken With Garlic
Start by mixing minced garlic with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create a delicious marinade.
Once combined, coat the chicken pieces evenly, ensuring all surfaces are covered for maximum flavor absorption. This step is crucial, as it allows the garlic to infuse its rich taste into the meat.
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to the marinade.
After coating the chicken, let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This helps the flavors penetrate deeply.
Before cooking, remember to let the marinated chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes for even cooking.
Enjoy the process!
Step 2. Sear Chicken Until Golden Brown
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers, signaling that it's ready for searing.
Dredge the marinated chicken pieces lightly in seasoned flour; this will help achieve an even browning and crispy texture.
Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them, as that can lower the pan temperature and prevent proper browning.
Sear the chicken for about 7 minutes on each side, or until it turns a rich golden-brown color and is fully cooked through.
Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the browned chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a warm platter.
Keep it warm while you prepare the next steps in your recipe.
Step 3. Add Quince to Braising Liquid
Adding quince to the braising liquid elevates the dish with its unique sweet-tart flavor.
After you've browned the garlic marinated chicken, core and cut the quince into uniform pieces, then add them to the pot. This ensures even cooking and helps the quince infuse its flavor into the dish.
Pour in enough broth to almost cover the chicken, making sure both the chicken and quince are submerged. Cover the pot partially and reduce heat, allowing everything to simmer for about 35-40 minutes.
This process lets the quince break down and release its natural sweetness, beautifully complementing the savory chicken.
Before serving, check the tenderness of both the chicken and quince, adjusting the liquid's consistency if needed.
Step 4. Simmer Until Chicken Is Tender
Once you've browned the garlic marinated chicken and added the quince to the skillet, pour in enough chicken broth to nearly cover both the meat and fruit.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and partially cover the skillet. This helps maintain moisture while simmering.
Cook the chicken and quince for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. If the liquid gets too low, add more broth or water to prevent dryness.
Stir gently during cooking to avoid breaking up the chicken, ensuring it stays intact and juicy.
Before serving, check for doneness; the internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F to ensure it's safe to enjoy.
Step 5. Add Herbs for Flavor Enhancement
To elevate the flavor of your garlic marinated chicken, incorporating fresh herbs like oregano and thyme is essential.
Start by chopping the herbs finely to maximize their aromatic oils. In a medium bowl, combine your garlic marinade with the chopped pieces of oregano and thyme.
For a Mediterranean twist, don't hesitate to add fresh parsley or cilantro to complement the sweetness of quince. Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but ideally, let it sit overnight for the best flavor infusion.
You can also experiment with herb combinations like rosemary and sage, introducing unique flavors that beautifully pair with both chicken and quince. This step will enhance the dish's complexity and aroma, making it truly memorable. Additionally, consider pairing your meal with Dirt Cups for a fun dessert experience that will delight your guests.
Final Thoughts
While garlic marinated chicken with quince may seem like a simple dish, it truly showcases the beauty of combining flavors and seasonal ingredients. The savory marinade tenderizes the chicken, resulting in a succulent bite balanced by the sweet, tart quince.
To elevate this dish, sauté the quince until caramelized, enhancing its natural sweetness. You might even add a cinnamon stick to the sauté pan for an aromatic twist. Remember to bring to a boil briefly before lowering the heat, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve the dish warm, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness. This combination not only celebrates fall ingredients but also makes a stunning centerpiece for your gatherings. Enjoy the harmony of flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should Quince Be Peeled Before Cooking?
You don't need to peel quince before cooking, as its skin is edible and adds flavor and texture.
The skin's antioxidants provide health benefits, too. Just make sure to wash the quince thoroughly to remove any wax or dirt. Keeping the skin on helps the fruit maintain its shape during cooking, especially in longer preparations.
However, if you prefer a smoother texture in your dish, peeling it for aesthetic reasons is also an option.
What Is Quince Good With?
Quince pairs wonderfully with various ingredients, enhancing both sweet and savory dishes.
You'll find it complements rich proteins like chicken, pork, and lamb beautifully, balancing their flavors. It works well with spices like cinnamon and cumin, making it a great addition to Middle Eastern cuisine.
You can also combine quince with honey or sugar for delicious desserts and jams. Its firm texture holds up well when roasted or grilled, enriching your meals.
How to Marinate Chicken With Garlic and Lemon?
To marinate chicken with garlic and lemon, start by mixing minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Once you've created the marinade, place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pouring the mixture over it to ensure it's coated evenly.
Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight for more flavor.
Don't forget to remove excess marinade before cooking!
Do You Have to Cook Quince Before Eating?
Imagine biting into a raw quince—its hard texture and astringent taste might leave you disappointed.
You really should cook quince before eating it; raw quince is tough and can cause a dry mouth.
Cooking it, whether by poaching or baking, transforms its flavor, making it sweeter and more enjoyable.
So, if you want to savor its deliciousness, definitely prepare it first.
Trust me, you'll appreciate the difference!
