Chicken with rice and tomato sauce

Chicken with rice and tomato sauce

When it comes to Sunday family meals, nothing compares to a main dish that combines the flavor of chicken with a rich tomato sauce and a delicious side of rice. This recipe for chicken with tomato sauce and rice is perfect for impressing guests, but also for bringing smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients

For chicken with tomato sauce:
- 2 large chicken breasts (approximately 500-600 g)
- 200 g white flour
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup oil (or less, to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, quartered
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups warm water (or chicken broth)

For the rice side:
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 4 cups hot broth (or 4 cups hot water with 2 tablespoons instant broth)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric or saffron (for color and flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup oil

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the chicken with tomato sauce

1. Cleaning and cutting the chicken: Cut the chicken breast into evenly sized cubes to cook evenly. Lightly coat them in flour, which will help form a delicious crust and thicken the sauce.

2. Cooking the chicken: In a large skillet, add ½ cup of oil and let it heat up. When the oil starts to sizzle, add the chicken cubes. Cook them until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Preparing the sauce: In the same skillet, add the diced red onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, being careful not to burn it. This step will add sweetness and flavor to your sauce.

4. Adding ingredients for the sauce: Once the onion is ready, add 2 cups of warm water and mix well. Incorporate the tomato paste, chicken cubes, salt, pepper, instant broth (if using), and bay leaves. Add the quartered garlic and let everything simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. Finally, add the chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.

Step 2: Preparing the rice

1. Sauté the onion: In a separate pot, add ¼ cup of oil and sauté the diced small onion until it becomes translucent.

2. Adding the rice: Add the 2 cups of rice over the onion and mix well, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.

3. Adding the liquid: Pour the 4 cups of hot broth (or water with instant broth) over the rice. Season with salt, pepper, and add the teaspoon of turmeric or saffron.

4. Cooking the rice: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. It is very important not to stir the rice during cooking! Place a damp towel over the lid and let the rice simmer for 20 minutes. After this time, turn off the heat, but do not lift the lid and towel for another 15 minutes. This method will make the rice fluffy and perfectly cooked.

Serving

Once the chicken with tomato sauce and rice are ready, I suggest you generously assemble the plate. Place a serving of rice on a plate, add a rich layer of chicken with tomato sauce on top, and garnish with fresh parsley. Don’t forget to serve alongside a side of pickled peppers or sauerkraut, which will add a note of freshness and acidity.

Helpful tips

- Tenderizing the meat: Do not add salt to the meat before frying; this will help keep the chicken tender and juicy.
- Accurate measurements: Use the same cup to measure the rice and liquid to ensure the proportions are correct.
- Do not stir the rice: The rice should not be stirred after adding the liquid to avoid sticky grains.
- Possible variations: You can replace the chicken breast with chicken thighs for a more intense flavor or add vegetables like carrots or peas to the tomato sauce for extra nutrients.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken, while the rice provides carbohydrates that supply energy. Onion and garlic are known for their antioxidant properties, and parsley adds a boost of vitamins and minerals.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use brown rice?: Yes, but the cooking time will be longer, so make sure to follow the cooking instructions for brown rice.
- Can the recipe be prepared in advance?: Of course! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead and reheat it before serving.
- What drinks pair well with this dish?: A dry white wine or even freshly squeezed tomato juice would perfectly complement this dish.

I hope you enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and savor this delicious recipe with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!