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### **The 10-Minute Cooking Process: Step-by-Step**
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s jump into the cooking process. Don’t worry—this is a straightforward recipe, and it’s quick to execute. I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps that anyone can master, even if you’re short on time and experience in the kitchen.
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
Start by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper, and set it aside while you prepare the vegetables.
#### **Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Onion**
In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté the garlic and onion until they become fragrant and start to soften, about 2 minutes. This will create a savory base for the sauce and make your kitchen smell amazing.
#### **Step 3: Add the Chicken**
Once the garlic and onion are softened, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure that it’s cooked on all sides. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. This is where the flavors start to come together as the chicken absorbs the garlic and onion.
#### **Step 4: Add the Bell Peppers and Tomato Paste**
Next, add the sliced bell peppers to the pan and stir everything together. The peppers should cook for about 2-3 minutes, becoming tender but still slightly crisp. Then, stir in the tomato paste. The tomato paste will create a rich, flavorful sauce and deepen the overall flavor of the dish. Let the paste cook for about a minute to bring out its natural sweetness.
#### **Step 5: Add the Chicken Broth**
Pour in the chicken broth (about ½ cup), and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This is where all the flavor lives, and you don’t want to miss it! Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. The broth will reduce slightly, creating a flavorful sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables.
#### **Step 6: Season and Serve**
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of acidity, or sprinkle in some fresh herbs for extra flavor. Once everything is well-seasoned and the sauce is thickened, remove the pan from the heat.
Serve the dish over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the most delicious dinner you’ve made in just 10 minutes!
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### **Why This Recipe Works**
What makes this recipe so effective is that it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. Here’s why it works:
1. **Quick Cooking Time**: By cutting the chicken into small pieces, you reduce the cooking time significantly. This allows the chicken to cook through quickly without becoming dry, and it helps the flavors infuse into the meat.
2. **Minimal Ingredients**: The simplicity of the ingredients is key. Each element adds something essential to the dish, whether it’s the sweetness of the bell peppers, the richness of the tomato paste, or the depth of the chicken broth. There’s no need for complicated spices or extra steps.
3. **One-Pan Cooking**: This is a one-pan dish, which makes cleanup a breeze. Cooking everything in one pan helps the ingredients meld together, creating a cohesive dish full of flavor.
4. **Versatility**: You can easily adapt this recipe based on what you have in your fridge or pantry. Don’t have bell peppers? Try zucchini or mushrooms instead. You can also swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
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### **Tips for Success**
– **Use High-Quality Ingredients**: Fresh chicken and vegetables make a world of difference in this dish. Try to use the best quality you can find for the most flavorful meal.
– **Customize the Vegetables**: Feel free to swap out the bell peppers for other vegetables like carrots, spinach, or even kale. You can also add more vegetables to bulk up the
dish.
– **Double the Recipe**: If you’re feeding a larger crowd, it’s easy to double the ingredients. Just make sure to use a bigger pan to accommodate the extra food.
– **Serve with a Side**: This dish is perfect with a side of simple rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. If you want to add a little crunch, serve it with a side salad.
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### **Final Thoughts**
In a world that often feels rushed and hectic, finding a meal that is not only quick and easy but also satisfying and delicious is a game-changer. This 10-minute dinner, passed down from my grandmother, brings the best of both worlds. It’s comforting, flavorful, and, most importantly, something you can prepare in the blink of an eye. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a last-minute gathering, or simply because you crave something tasty, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home as well. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
