The rice with chicken it is one of those recipes that transcends generations and borders, a dish that connects us with our roots and gives us a homemade taste incomparable. Although their exact origins are debated, it is known that this delicious dish is influenced by both the Spanish gastronomy, as in the Latin, and is considered one of the pillars of the traditional meal in many homes. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it the perfect choice for a family meal, which is not only comforting, but also affordable and nutritious.
This dish is much more than a simple combination of rice and chicken; it's a culinary experience that evokes memories of grandmothers, mothers and parents cooking in the kitchen to feed their loved ones. Can be found in most american homes, and in many tables international, adapted to different tastes and styles, but always keeping its essence: a fluffy rice infused with the flavors of deep chicken, vegetables, and spices. Below, we will show you how to prepare a rice with chicken delicious, with simple ingredients, but with a flavor that will make everyone at the table ask for more.
To prepare a delicious rice with chicken
You will need the following ingredients:
- 1 chicken, chopped (preferably with a bone to give it more flavor)
- 2 cups of rice
- 4 cups of chicken broth (it is ideal to do this at home, but if not, you can use broth in cubes or powder)
- 1 cup of peas
- 1 carrot cut into small cubes
- 1 red bell pepper cut into strips
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric or food coloring (to give the characteristic color gold)
- Olive oil or the of your preference to brown
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf (optional, but gives it a special touch)
- Lemon (to accompany the final, optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Start by chopping the chicken into medium to large sized parts. In a large pot, add a bit of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and roast on all sides until it is well sealed and lightly browned. This will help the chicken to release its flavor to the rice. Remove it from the pot, and come.
Step 2: stir-Fried vegetables
In the same pot where doraste the chicken, add a little more oil if necessary and, over medium heat, add the onion, garlic, carrot and red pepper. Cook everything for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and the onion becomes transparent. Add the turmeric (or dye) to give the golden color to the rice and stir it well.
Step 3: Cooking the rice
Re-place the chicken in the pot along with the vegetables. Add the rice and stir to coat with the flavors of the sauce. Then, pour the hot chicken broth (make sure it is very hot, so as not to interrupt the cooking process). Add the bay leaf, salt and pepper to taste, and takes everything to a boil.
Once the broth has begun to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid and leave to cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the liquid. If necessary, add more chicken broth or water in the course of the cooking.
Step 4: final Touches and serve
When the rice is ready, add the peas and stir to integrate. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. You can eat it with a touch of lemon to give it a fresh flavor and acid which enhances the flavors. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious dish that is never missing in the tables family.
Nutritional information per serving
The rice with chicken it is a dish nutritious food that can be part of a full meal. Then, we present an estimate of the nutritional information per serving (considering as a portion 1 cup of rice with chicken):
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Proteins: 25-30 g
- Fat: 10-12 g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40 g
- Fiber: 3-4 g
- Sodium: 500-600 mg
This dish is an excellent source of protein, especially chicken, and also provides a significant amount of complex carbohydrates thanks to the rice. The veggies add fiber, and essential nutrients, making this dish an option balanced for the whole family.
Benefits of Rice with Chicken
The rice with chicken not only is it delicious, but it also has several nutritional benefits. To be made up of rice, chicken and vegetables, this dish makes for an excellent source of lasting power thanks to the complex carbohydrates in the rice, while the chicken adds lean proteins essential for muscle growth and cell repair. In addition, vegetables like peas, carrots and bell peppers bring vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are critical for maintaining a strong immune system.
This dish is also ideal for those who need meals easy to prepare but satisfactory, especially for busy families that are looking for something to give up, is tasty and nutritious at the same time.
Variations of Rice with Chicken
One of the great advantages of the rice with chicken is their versatility. You can add or substitute ingredients to suit your personal tastes or products you have available. Some popular variations include:
- Rice with chicken mexican: Add tomatoes, peppers, and fresh cilantro to the sauce.
- Rice with chicken curry: Incorporating curry powder or curry paste to give it an exotic touch.
- Chicken rice with seafood: Add shrimp or mussels for a more festive and navy.
- Chicken with rice vegetarian: If you'd prefer an option without meat, you can substitute the chicken for tofu or tempeh, or just add more veggies.
Tips and Suggestions
- Homemade chicken stock: If you have the time to prepare a homemade chicken stock makes a huge difference in the flavor of the dish. You can do it with bones and the remains of the chicken, cook on low heat for a few hours with onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
- Cabbage and spinach: Some people add spinach or cabbage finely chopped towards the end of cooking to give more freshness and nutrients to the dish.
- Accompaniments: The rice with chicken it is perfect to accompany it with a fresh salad or a few slices of avocado, which adds to the freshness and creaminess to the dish.
Conclusion
The rice with chicken it is more than just a recipe; it's a culinary tradition that unites the family around the table. With its simplicity, versatility and unique flavor, it's a dish that will never go out of fashion. Are you ready to prepare this delicious dish? Don't wait any longer, put on your apron and enjoy a meal that surely will put a smile on everyone in your home. I dare to share this recipe with your loved ones and make the rice with chicken a tradition in your family!
Learn more about Recipes of main Dishes in our article:
Main Dishes: 10 Recipes That Will Make You Want More
