I cooked: Pan Fried Chicken with Balsamic Tomatoes and Caramelised Shallots

During the run-up to the Blogger MasterChef semi-finals, my mind would often work overtime, thinking what mystery ingredient would be given for the Invention Test. One of the ingredients I practiced with (a lot) was chicken, since I rarely prepared this a la Western.

The pan fried chicken with balsamic tomatoes and caramelised shallots was an impromptu creation and turned out to be the best tasting one of all my experiments. You can either served this as an appetizer or a main course. Just adjust serving size accordingly. It is very easy to prepare and is very healthy. Personally, I like the idea of serving it in a spoon, so you can just pop the whole thing in your mouth and let the different flavours work its magic.

As an appetizer

Or as a main course

Pan Fried Chicken with Balsamic Tomatoes and Caramelised Shallots
Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Serves 2 or makes 8 appetizer portions

Ingredients
1 piece chicken breast or thigh, cut into 4.5cm x 3cm piece
2 tbsp light soy sauce
5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 large tomato, diced
2 shallots, sliced thinly
1 tbsp honey
A handful fresh parsley, chopped finely
1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Spring onion (white part), sliced thinly

1. Firstly, start by marinating the chicken pieces with light soy sauce, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper. Leave to marinate for 15 minutes. Try to use fresh chicken instead of frozen, so that the end product is moist.

2. Add 3 tbsp olive oil to 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and season with salt. Then add the diced tomatoes and parsley, and mix thoroughly. Leave aside until ready to use.

3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan. Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes each side or until thoroughly cooked. Remove from heat.

4. Using the same frying pan, add the shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add honey and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, constantly stirring until the onions are nicely caramelised.

5. To assemble the dish, place a spoonful of balsamic tomato on the plate/serving spoon, followed by a piece of chicken and then topped with the caramelised onion and spring onions as garnish.

Hope you enjoy it!

A mixture of savory and sweet flavours

Just pop one in your mouth

Can also be served as a main course

The balsamic tomatoes give this dish an appetizing edge

Full set of photos available here.