Spicy Dirty Rice with Chicken and Sausage
Try this Spicy Dirty Rice with Chicken and Sausage recipe.
Try this Spicy Dirty Rice with Chicken and Sausage recipe.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 6 teaspoons olive oil divided
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- a pinch of salt and pepper
- 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts (24 oz total)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper divided
- 1 (13 oz) link turkey smoked sausage sliced (i used hillshire farm)
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
- 1 cup dry long-grain white rice
- 2 1/4 cups reduced sodium fat free chicken broth
- optional: parsley for garnish
- Carbohydrate 5.35847302123065 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.30210712633224 g
- Fiber 1.1562617416786 g
- Protein 0.729580593153119 g
- Saturated Fat 0.198158805575139 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings (see nutrition for details) (50g)
- Sodium 2.3798368277209 mg
- Sugar 4.20221127955204 g
- Trans Fat 0.0612203646455791 g
- Calories 33 calories
Step-by-step
- In a small dish, mix together the salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, minced onion, oregano, ½ teaspoon of the cayenne, the crushed red pepper, the lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of the olive oil to form a paste.
- Rub the paste over the surface of the chicken breasts on all sides. Set aside.
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a dutch oven, bring 1 ½ teaspoons of oil over med-high heat.
- Once hot, add the sliced sausage and cook, stirring/flipping occasionally, until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Remove the sausage to a side plate.
- Add another 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil to the pot and allow them to come to temperature (should happen quickly).
- Add the chicken breasts in a single layer and sear on one side for 2-3 minutes.
- Flip the breasts and sear on the other side for another 2 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pot to the plate with the sausage.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Add the remaining teaspoon of oil to the pot and allow it to heat up.
- Add the onions, celery and jalapeno and stir.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly to scrape up any brown bits of flavor stuck to the bottom of the pot and coat your veggies with flavor.
- Your veggies should start to look brown from mixing with the flavors on the bottom.
- Add the remaining ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper and rice and stir to combine.
- Add the broth and continue to “deglaze the pan” by scraping up any brown bits off the bottom.
- Increase the heat to medium and bring the contents to a simmer.
- Once simmering, add the sausage, chicken, and any juices on the plate back to the pot, placing the chicken in a single layer on top of the other ingredients.
- Return to a simmer and cover.
- Place the covered pot in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the cover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed into the rice.
- Slice the chicken before serving.
Spicy Dirty Rice with Chicken and Sausage: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and chores, whipping up a gourmet meal often feels impossible. But I’m here to tell you it doesn't have to be! This Spicy Dirty Rice with Chicken and Sausage recipe is my go-to for those weeknights when I need something hearty, flavorful, and most importantly, quick.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to efficiency in the kitchen. The beauty lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences, and the leftover rice can even be repurposed for lunch the next day. Think of it as a culinary Swiss Army knife – ready to tackle whatever your busy schedule throws its way.
The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, despite the complex flavor profile. The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, and the cooking process itself is straightforward and manageable, even on a hectic Tuesday night. I've streamlined the steps to ensure a minimal time investment without sacrificing the deliciousness.
The magic of this dish is in the balance of flavors. The savory chicken and sausage offer a rich base, while the perfectly cooked rice provides a comforting texture. The spices – a vibrant mix of paprika, cayenne, and oregano – add a kick that will leave you wanting more. I love to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley as a garnish just before serving, it adds a touch of elegance and freshness to the overall presentation.
I often double the recipe to have leftovers for lunch throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, maintaining its flavor and texture. This makes meal prepping a breeze. The flexible nature of this recipe also allows for substitutions. If you don’t have turkey sausage, chicken sausage works equally well. Feel free to experiment with different types of rice or add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. The possibilities are endless!
So, the next time you're short on time but craving a satisfying and flavorful meal, reach for this recipe. It’s a reliable weeknight staple that will quickly become a favorite in your family. It's proof that even the busiest among us can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The secret? Simple recipes, clever techniques, and a little bit of planning. This Spicy Dirty Rice is all of that and more – a testament to the delicious possibilities that come when efficiency meets flavour.
Beyond the recipe: This dish has become more than just a meal for me; it’s a symbol of my commitment to feeding my family well, even amidst the chaos of daily life. It’s a small act of love and care, a way of showing my family that even on the busiest of days, I make time for them and for good food. And that, my friends, is priceless.
