OREGANO CHICKEN

A perfect fit for a low-carb lifestyle, olives are loaded with healthy monounsaturates. In general, these fats are considered to be healthier as compared to the others. They have the same amount of energy but they reduce blood cholesterol levels which reduces the risk to the heart. The juice of the olive, otherwise known as olive oil, acts to keep cholesterol from sticking to our artery walls and is a delicious source of antioxidants. Olives also contain polyphenols, which is what gives them their taste and aroma. Research indicates that these polyphenols may have antioxidant characteristics with potential health benefits such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. This would explain why people living in Mediterranean countries, where consumption of relatively high amounts of fat is prominent, tend to have far lower rates of cardiovascular disease than in countries like the United States where similar levels of fat consumption are found. Interesting, no?

RECIPE:

Serves 4 (with leftovers)

1 whole chicken, portioned (2 breasts - 0n the bone , 2 drumsticks, 2 thighs, 2 wings)

2 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup white wine

5 cups low sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup capers, drained

1/2 cup pimento-stuffed green olives, sliced

6 oz oyster mushrooms

1/4 tbsp black peppercorns

2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped

2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400F.

Preheat skillet on medium high heat for one minute. Season each chicken piece with Salt &Pepper. Add olive oil to pan, sear chicken for 2-3 mins on each side, until golden brown. Once browned, remove to a roasting tray. Deglaze saute pan by adding the white wine and scraping all the caramelized bits from  bottom of pan for 30 seconds. Add wine mixture to chicken along with all remaining ingredients.

Cover roasting pan with foil, pop in preheated oven for approx 1-1 1/2 hours. Check chicken after one hour to see if chicken is fork tender otherwise cook for the additional 30 mins.

To Finish: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest over top of dish just before serving.

Open a nice bottle of Pinot Grigio and tuck in.

The Business!

All recipes are made with the finest quality farmers market whole foods, natural and non-processed ingredients.