WHO doesn’t enjoy an easy, hearty and delicious weeknight dinner that offers all the coziness of homestyle cooking- while playing off the hassle-free aspect of one-pan meals? With March being Nutrition Month, I wanted to share a dish that not only delivers on fiber and vitamins, but that requires minimal effort, AKA: this meal literally cooks itself. Bonus: it tastes like your mother’s cooking. It does for me, at least.

Say hello to a super versatile recipe involving balsamic-like flavors and the sweetness of slowly-cooked onions, shallots and California prunes infusing the chicken with the best kind of smell and taste. I highly recommend using chicken thighs and legs for this recipe over white meat counterparts; as it will make everything moister on the inside and crispier on the outside. Exactly where you want it to be!

Growing up, Middle Eastern and Spanish flavors were a big part of our household. As a child of a multicultural marriage; I was exposed to the best array of spices and condiments very early on. It wasn’t odd to wake up to labneh, freshly-ground za’atar and warm pita and finish off the day with a steak, green plantains and rice + beans dish. This gastronomical dichotomy heavily influenced the kind of food you guys now see on the blog in that it’s so eclectic; but easy to replicate and enjoyed by many.

Now let’s talk about prunes, shall we? California prunes take center-stage and steal the show as they become impossibly richer, sweeter and moister as the chicken bakes in the oven. Not only are they a great source of dietary fibre, which helps maintain good digestive health and manage cholesterol. They also contain magnesium and vitamin K, which contribute to the maintenance of healthy bones.

The prunes are promptly assisted by a dash of pure maple syrup which helps the onions and shallots caramelize as they bake! My mom and I would often sprinkle some brown sugar before covering it with foil and setting it to bake; but using maple syrup presents us with a refined sugar free alternative… And, I’m also incorporating some trusty Canadian elements to the dish, too!

So often we talk about nutrition; and the importance of it; but the best nourishment and way to practice good nutritional habits is strictly in our every day meals. I love that this easy one-pan recipe has protein, veggies, and the amazing amount of fiber prunes present us with. In terms of accompanying side dishes; you can opt for jasmine or brown rice or even a Middle-Eastern style rice and lentils dish. I decided to give it a bit of a plot twist with Yukon mashed potatoes complete with grass-fed butter, a sprinkle of cracker pepper and some herbs.

This Nutrition Month, I hope you guys give this recipe a try, you will LOVE!