Good morning Y’all! Although this week is flying by (is it really Thursday already?!), we are making progress on our wedding invitations. We should have them finished by this weekend. In efforts to avoid a grocery trip till after the invitations are finished, I made dinner last night using ingredients we had on hand in the pantry/refrigerator. Allrecipes.com has a fantastic recipe search engine that allows you to search for recipes based on a few ingredients you want (or do not want) to use. I typed in chicken, garlic, and balsamic vinegar into the recipe search by ingredients and ended up finding this recipe which turned out fabulous despite some modifcations.
Chicken Breasts with Balsamic Vinegar and Garlic
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced (no mushrooms in house)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (omitted)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3/4 cup chicken broth I was out of chicken broth, so I used 3/4 cup of water seasoned with Tony’s instead.
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon butter Smart Balance Light
Directions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Rinse the mushrooms and pat dry. Season the flour with salt and pepper and dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture. Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat and saute the chicken until it is nicely browned on one side (about 3 minutes).
- Add the garlic. Turn the chicken breasts and scatter the mushrooms over them. Continue frying, shaking the skillet and stirring the mushrooms. Cook for about 3 minutes, then add the vinegar, broth, bay leaf and thyme. Cover tightly and simmer over medium low heat for 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Transfer the chicken to a warm serving platter and cover with foil. Set aside. Continue simmering the sauce, uncovered, over medium high heat for about 7 minutes. Swirl in the butter light margarine and discard the bay leaf. Pour this mushroom sauce mixture over the chicken and serve.
I served over whole wheat pasta with roasted asparagus…
The balsamic reductions was outstanding (even with me using seasoned water instead of chicken broth!). Not to mention, this meal took less than 30 minutes to prepare. This recipe is repeat worthy!
With all the Super Bowl excitement, Mardi Gras (also called Lombardi Gras this year by us locals) season, and wedding planning, I almost forgot about Valentines Day coming up this weekend. Cory and I are planning to cook a quiet, romantic dinner at home 
Are you celebrating Valentines Day? Have you ever modified a recipe based on the ingredients you have at home?
Have a wonderful day and thanks for reading
Kasey
That looks delicious! I love that feature on allrecipes.com — so convenient!
I have 2 hockey games on Sunday and our college basketball team is playing. I think I’m going to make hubby’s favorite faux fried chicken for him
hey! I usually always have broth stocked if you ever need some!
We are celebrating at home by making some crab legs, roasted asparagus, cauliflower puree, and of course a bottle of great vino. Oh, and hubby said he’d make me some homemade pecan turtles.
Love to hear what other people are doing.
PS- always modify recipes to fit what I have around
Great adjustments! I hardly ever follow a recipe (I call myself “recipe challenged”) and rather see them as inspirations. It could have something to do with the fact that I also don’t grocery shop with a detailed shopping list too often…
Your dinner looks great! I am definitely going to check out that website. I will sometimes have random things in the house but not sure how they will go together.
I am having a get together at my place. I am going to make fondue and we are going to watch chick flicks.
What a delish dinner and I love whipping up dinners by using up stuff!! I made crockpot salsa chicken for the boys tonight~~~I hope you have a wonderful Valentines Day with your man, what are you guys doing? xoxo
Mm, nice! I love balsamic vinegar. I practically use it on everything!
I love this. I never have even half of the ingredients for the recipes. This would be a great way to use up foods i have no idea what to do with. Thanks!
Recipe sounds great, thanks I will have to check out that website!! No plan yet for Valentines Day probably will cook a nice dinner and relax! Have a great weekend!
Great modification. I’ve done the same. If it saves a few dollars and a trip to the store.. Your chicken looks great. It must have been a success!
I CHOOOSE to cook! My roommate and I are making heart shaped ravioli. num, num. Have a romantical weekend. And thanks for the advise on internship. As I get closer I may email you.
I’m staying home for Valentines Day. Yes I’m single.. but that’s not why I’m staying home.
I love all recipes! I had no idea they had the ingredient search feature!
I love what you’ve done with this recipe! Seriously, modifying recipes is my life, I do it all the time. The point of my 2010 cookbook is to show people that you can modify just about ANY recipe to make if work with the ingredients you have. So far is working out quite well.
I’m celebrating V-day with Nick tonight, actually. He works Sunday night to tonight is our night! He’s making steak and lobster (we’re also trying to save money). It should be really yummy. I am making brownies and ice cream for dessert!
Have a great weekend
Good luck with the invitations!