Rice with chicken and vegetables

Chicken and Vegetable Rice – a delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Welcome to our kitchen! Today, I will share with you a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the tenderness of chicken with the perfect texture of rice and the richness of seasonal vegetables. Chicken and vegetable rice is a dish that has gained popularity in many cultures, often served as a main course at family meals. This recipe not only satisfies the taste buds but is also quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

- 4 chicken thighs (or 4 drumsticks)
- 1 cup rice (washed several times)
- 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 large sweet carrot
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 young zucchini
- 1 handful of green and yellow beans
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- 50 ml olive oil
- 100 ml dry white wine

A bit of history

This chicken and vegetable rice recipe has its origins in traditional cuisine, where each ingredient was valued to create a tasty and nutritious dish. Combining rice with meat and vegetables was an ingenious way to bring together proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins in a single dish, easy to serve and consume.

Step by step to achieve a perfect recipe

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing and drying the chicken thighs. This step is essential for achieving a crispy crust in the oven. Place the thighs in a greased baking dish with a little oil. Brush them with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Make sure to coat them evenly with spices to maximize flavor.

2. Adding wine and broth: Pour the dry white wine over the chicken thighs, followed by one cup of broth. The wine will add a note of acidity and complexity to the flavor, while the broth will contribute to the juiciness of the meat.

3. Baking the chicken: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (or 350 degrees Fahrenheit) and place the dish in the oven for 45 minutes. It’s good to check occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.

4. Preparing the vegetables: While the chicken is in the oven, wash, peel, and chop the vegetables. Cut the carrot, bell peppers, and zucchini into small cubes and chop the green and yellow beans. This step will help you achieve an even texture and ensure even cooking of the vegetables.

5. Sautéing the vegetables: In a pot, add 50 ml of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. This step will intensify the flavors and keep the vegetables crispy.

6. Adding the rice: After the vegetables are sautéed, add the washed rice and mix well. Then, gradually add the 4 cups of broth, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Cooking the rice: Cover the pot with a lid and let the rice simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes until it absorbs all the liquid. This is the ideal technique for achieving perfectly cooked and fluffy rice.

8. Serving the dish: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Place a generous portion of rice and vegetables on a plate, and top with the chicken thigh.

Serving suggestions: This dish can be served alongside a fresh arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and feta cheese or a yogurt sauce with garlic.

Possible variations: If you want to add extra flavor, you can include spices like curry or turmeric. You can also experiment with different types of vegetables, such as mushrooms or pumpkin.

Useful tips and tricks:
- Use chicken thighs with skin for a richer flavor.
- Basmati rice or brown rice can add a different taste and interesting texture.
- You can substitute the wine with lemon juice for a non-alcoholic option.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, turkey is an excellent alternative and will cook similarly.

2. What type of rice is best for this recipe? Long-grain rice is ideal, but you can also use arborio rice for a creamier texture.

3. Can I prepare this recipe in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it in the oven before serving.

Nutritional benefits: This recipe is rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins. The vegetables add essential nutrients, while the rice provides complex carbohydrates that offer long-lasting energy.

Enjoy your meal and savor every bite! This chicken and vegetable rice recipe will not disappoint and will surely become a family favorite!