Mighty Chop
Mighty Chop is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings warmth to family dinners, perfect for busy weeknights with its quick preparation and satisfying taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs or pork chops, trimmed Use chicken for a lighter option.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Avocado oil can be used for higher smoke point.
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced Caramelizes into sweet layers of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Or 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced Swap for green for a sharper bite.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced Optional, but adds earthy depth.
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa A cozy, grounding base for the chop.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) Use vegan cheese for dairy-free.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari Use low-sodium if preferred.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Substitute whole grain mustard for texture.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped For finishing freshness.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping
- 1 spoonful Greek yogurt Instead of sour cream for a lighter topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat chicken thighs or pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Searing the Protein
- Sear the chicken or chops for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove and set aside — they will finish cooking in the sauce.
Cooking Aromatics
- Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining oil, and add sliced onions.
- Cook slowly until translucent and just starting to caramelize, about 8 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Building the Sauce
- Stir in diced red bell pepper and mushrooms, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and a splash of water or stock to create a silky glaze.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
Cooking Together
- Nestle the seared chicken or pork back into the pan, spooning sauce and veg over top.
- Cover and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until cooked through.
Finishing Touches
- Spoon the rich mixture over cooked rice or quinoa.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese and let it melt into the warm mixture.
- Scatter chopped parsley for a bright finish.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For freezing, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to revive the sauce.