Rustic rice with oven-baked chicken

Rustic rice with baked chicken

Who doesn't remember the lavish meals of childhood, when the enticing aromas of lovingly cooked dishes brought the family together? Rustic rice with baked chicken is one of those recipes that will not only enrich your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia to your meals. This recipe is not only simple and filling, but it also offers a multitude of customization possibilities. Let's see how you can prepare this delicious dish!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 0.8 kg chicken (wings or any preferred part)
- 1 cup medium-grain rice (similar to risotto rice)
- ½ bell pepper
- 1 carrot
- 1 celery root
- 2 large onions
- 5-6 tomatoes (preferably fresh, but canned can also be used)
- 3-4 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil
- 5-6 garlic cloves
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (fresh is ideal, but frozen works too)
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Preparing the meat

Start by washing the chicken well. The wings can be left whole or you can choose to cut them into smaller pieces, depending on your preference. This will help with even cooking and flavor absorption.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables

Peel and wash the vegetables: bell pepper, carrot, celery, and onion. Cut them into cubes or julienne, depending on your preferences. Chop the parsley finely, and peel and dice the tomatoes, or you can grate them for a finer texture. Peel the garlic and cut it in half or quarters.

Step 3: Washing the rice

Wash the rice in 2-3 waters. If you are using risotto rice, it has a higher starch content and can make the final dish stickier. So, make sure to rinse it well!

Step 4: Browning the meat

In a deep pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the pieces of meat and fry them for a few minutes until they are lightly browned on all sides. Well-browned meat will add a special flavor to your dish.

Step 5: Sautéing the vegetables

Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside. In the same oil, add the chopped onion and sauté for a few minutes until it becomes glassy and slightly golden. If you prefer less browned onion, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water or hot broth to sauté it more easily.

Then add the bell pepper, carrot, and celery, stirring well. Season with salt and let the vegetables soften slightly, about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Adding the rice

To the sautéed vegetables, add the washed and drained rice. Mix well and let it absorb the flavor of the vegetables for a few minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the rice absorb all the flavors.

Step 7: Boiling

Add the hot broth to the mixture of rice and vegetables. Mix well, then let it simmer on low heat. Once it starts boiling, add the tomatoes and garlic cloves. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is almost cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 8: Finalizing the dish

After the rice has cooked, adjust the taste with salt and pepper, add the chopped parsley and mix everything. Then, add the browned meat pieces, ensuring they are evenly dispersed among the grains.

Step 9: Baking

If you used a pot that can go in the oven, that’s ideal. If not, transfer everything to a deep baking dish, placing the meat pieces at the bottom. Preheat the oven to 180°C and let the dish bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and nicely browned on top.

Step 10: Serving

When the rice is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it warm, alongside a fresh vegetable salad, which will add a touch of freshness.

Useful suggestions

- Recipe variations: You can replace the chicken with pork or beef, depending on your preferences. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or peas to diversify the dish.
- Serving: This rustic rice pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of this dish has about 450-500 calories, being a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins due to the vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use long-grain rice?
Yes, but make sure to follow the specific cooking instructions for that type of rice.

2. What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated the next day. You can also transform the dish into a soup by adding more broth and mixing well.

3. How can I adapt the recipe for vegans?
Replace the meat with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth. The rice will remain just as delicious!

This rustic rice with baked chicken is more than just a simple recipe; it is a way to bring the warmth and comfort of a family meal into your everyday life. Enjoy!