Recipe description
July 29, 2026
Herbed polenta with chicken
A comforting gut-friendly chicken polenta with bright herbs.
One Pot Meal
Easy Recipe
80%
General Gut Health Match
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Takes about 2 minutes.
Why this recipe fits you
- Balanced provide protein, fiber, and healthy fats for gentle digestion.
- Fresh herbs and olive oil contribute polyphenols and flavor without heaviness.
- Includes plant diversity with herbs, whole-grain polenta, and olive oil.
Gut Health Score
How these gut-support scores are calculated
These scores are estimated from the recipe’s ingredients, nutritional profile, and gut-health relevance. They are intended as practical guidance, not as medical advice.
Fiber support
Looks at fiber-rich ingredients such as legumes, vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
Polyphenol support
Reflects ingredients such as berries, herbs, spices, cocoa, olive oil, colorful vegetables, and other plant foods.
Diversity support
Considers the variety of plant-based ingredients used in the recipe.
Inflammation-balance support
Considers the balance between whole-food ingredients, healthy fats, added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and highly processed components.
Fermentation support
Reflects fermented ingredients or ingredients that may support microbial fermentation, such as prebiotic fibers.
Blood-sugar balance support
Considers fiber, protein, fat quality, added sugars, and the type of carbohydrates in the recipe.
Ingredients
Chicken, breast
2
piece
polenta
1
cup
Basil
2
teaspoon
Parsley
1
tablespoon
Garlic
2
clove
Oil, olive
2
tablespoon
Salt
0.5
teaspoon
Black pepper
0.25
teaspoon
Vegetable broth
2
cup
Instructions
1
Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4
Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in polenta, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
5
Reduce heat to low and cook polenta for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
6
Stir in chopped fresh basil and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7
Slice cooked chicken breasts and serve over a bed of herbed polenta.
More Recipes For Your Gut
Nutrition
420 kcal
Calories
40 g
Protein
42 g
Carbohydrates
4 g
Fiber
3 g
Sugar
16 g
Fat
3 g
Saturated fat
0.6 g
Salt
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Chicken thighs work well; they may be juicier and require a bit more cooking time. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
How long does this dish take from start to finish?
About 40–50 minutes total: 10 minutes for prep, 12–16 minutes to cook the chicken, 15–20 minutes for the polenta.
Is polenta gluten-free, and can I use quick-cooking polenta?
Polenta is naturally gluten-free. You can use either regular or quick-cooking polenta; cooking times vary, and quick-cooking may require less stirring.
How should I store leftovers and how long do they keep?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
Can I make this ahead or freeze it?
Polenta can be prepared ahead and reheated with extra liquid. Cooked chicken can be stored separately; freezing polenta can affect texture, but you can freeze cooked chicken for up to 1 month.
Can I customize the herbs or add other vegetables?
Yes. Swap basil/parsley for cilantro, dill, or chives; you can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) and juices run clear.
What can I substitute for vegetable broth if I don’t have it?
Use water with a pinch of salt, or a low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth if available.
How many servings does this recipe make, and how can I scale it?
This recipe serves 2. To scale up, multiply ingredients proportionally and ensure there is enough liquid for the polenta.
Is this dish gut-friendly or easy to digest?
Yes. It uses simple ingredients and a gentle cooking method; for sensitive digestion, watch portions and avoid heavy fats or spices.
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