Alice Springs Chicken: A Simple Yet Delicious Recipe
This recipe for Alice Springs Chicken is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. It's quick, easy, and boasts a vibrant flavour profile that's sure to impress your family and friends. The dish is named after the famous Australian town, reflecting its blend of simple ingredients with a surprisingly sophisticated taste.
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is a dish that typically features chicken breast coated in a crispy crumb, pan-fried, and then topped with a creamy, tangy sauce. The sauce usually involves sundried tomatoes, pesto, and sometimes mozzarella cheese. This recipe offers a slightly simplified approach, emphasizing fresh ingredients and easy preparation.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions: Prepare the Chicken
- Prepare the Crumb: In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Preparing the Alice Springs Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet (after removing the chicken), add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and pesto. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Assembling Your Delicious Dish
- Serve: Place the cooked chicken breasts on a serving platter and spoon the sun-dried tomato and pesto sauce generously over each breast.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves for an appealing presentation.
Tips for the Perfect Alice Springs Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: This will prevent the chicken from browning properly.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste!
- Adjust seasoning to your preference: Feel free to add more or less salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.
- Serve immediately: The chicken is best served hot and fresh.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, including:
- Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini.
- Pasta: A simple spaghetti or fettuccine.
- Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
This simple Alice Springs Chicken recipe is a great way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!
