Baked chicken with rice

Oven-Baked Chicken with Rice: A Flavorful Recipe for Special Moments

Cooking is a ritual that brings us together, and the Oven-Baked Chicken with Rice recipe is perfect for transforming an ordinary meal into an unforgettable experience. This recipe combines the intense flavors of spices with the fluffy texture of rice, offering a delicious dish that will delight everyone. In the following, I will guide you step by step through this process, providing you with useful tips and tricks to help you achieve a perfect result.

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 70 minutes
- Total time: 90 minutes
- Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken (thighs or whole chicken, as preferred)
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 1 lemon
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon saffron
- A pinch of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 500 g rice
- 1 onion
- 1 stalk of celery
- 100 ml white wine
- 1 l chicken broth (or water, but broth provides superior flavor)
- 50 g butter
- 100 ml cream
- Chopped parsley for garnish

A Bit of History
Oven-baked chicken is a classic dish found in many culinary cultures, each with its own variations. This type of dish not only delights our taste buds but also brings a sense of comfort and familiarity. Our recipe combines influences from various culinary traditions, offering you a meal full of flavor and color.

Step by Step: How to Cook Oven-Baked Chicken with Rice

1. Preparing the Chicken
Start by preparing the marinade for the chicken. Peel the garlic and crush it well. In a bowl, combine the crushed garlic with 4 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of one lemon, chili powder, turmeric, saffron, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you obtain a smooth paste.

Practical Tips:
- Fresh garlic is essential for an intense flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount.
- Lemon adds a note of freshness and balances the flavors. Make sure to use a fresh one, not bottled juice.

Wash the chicken well and pat it dry with a paper towel. Rub it with the marinade, ensuring it is evenly coated. Place the chicken in a baking dish and put it in the preheated oven at 180°C for 40 minutes.

2. Preparing the Rice
While the chicken is baking, wash the rice in several waters to remove the starch, which will lead to fluffier rice. Peel the onion and celery, then chop them finely. In a bowl, mix the rice with the onion and celery.

Tip:
- If you want the rice to absorb the flavors even better, you can soak it in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking.

After 40 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven. Place the rice mixture in the baking dish, then pour the white wine and chicken broth over the rice. Place the chicken on top, cover the dish with aluminum foil, and return it to the oven for another 30 minutes.

3. Finishing the Dish
After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Take out the chicken and season the rice with salt and pepper to taste. Add the butter and cream, then mix well until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Serving Suggestion:
- Serve the chicken on a bed of rice and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of color and freshness. You can accompany this dish with a simple green salad or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but the cooking time will be different. Chicken breast cooks faster, so check it after 25-30 minutes.

2. What other spices can I add?
You can experiment with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for an even more complex flavor.

3. How can I store the dish for the next day?
The chicken and rice can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, while rice provides complex carbohydrates. Garlic and spices add antioxidants and can have benefits for the immune system. Adding vegetables like celery and onion enriches the recipe with essential vitamins and minerals.

Conclusion
Oven-baked chicken with rice is a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. By experimenting with different spices and ingredients, you can adapt this recipe to your preferences. Don’t forget to enjoy the cooking process and let yourself be inspired by the aromas that develop while preparing this delicious dish. Enjoy your meal!