Chicken With Rice, The Easy Way
You can make a big deal out of chicken with rice -- at its zenith, it becomes paella -- but it is a dish that takes well to short cuts. And even at its simplest, it's a crowd-pleaser. For fast weeknight meals, I strip chicken and rice to its essentials: oil, onion, chicken and rice. Stock makes the best cooking liquid, but water works almost as well, because as it simmers with the chicken they combine to produce a flavorful broth. To reduce greasiness, I remove the skin from the chicken before cooking it. (In a moist dish like this one, the skin is not especially appetizing anyway.) You can easily vary this dish by using any stock instead of water; by substituting another grain, like pearled barley, for the rice; by sautéing or roasting the chicken separately and combining it with the rice at the last minute; by adding sausage or shellfish, like shrimp, along with the chicken, or, most excitingly, by adding strips of red pepper, pitted olives, capers, chopped tomatoes or shelled peas to the initial onion mix.
You can make a big deal out of chicken with rice -- at its zenith, it becomes paella -- but it is a dish that takes well to short cuts. And even at its simplest, it's a crowd-pleaser. For fast weeknight meals, I strip chicken and rice to its essentials: oil, onion, chicken and rice. Stock makes the best cooking liquid, but water works almost as well, because as it simmers with the chicken they combine to produce a flavorful broth. To reduce greasiness, I remove the skin from the chicken before cooking it. (In a moist dish like this one, the skin is not especially appetizing anyway.) You can easily vary this dish by using any stock instead of water; by substituting another grain, like pearled barley, for the rice; by sautéing or roasting the chicken separately and combining it with the rice at the last minute; by adding sausage or shellfish, like shrimp, along with the chicken, or, most excitingly, by adding strips of red pepper, pitted olives, capers, chopped tomatoes or shelled peas to the initial onion mix.
- Carbohydrate 265.944 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 11.872200004342 g
- Fiber 9.40799983978271 g
- Protein 21.84 g
- Saturated Fat 1.86846000059955 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (352g)
- Sodium 2329.04250000009 mg
- Sugar 256.536000160217 g
- Trans Fat 0.546345000117582 g
- Calories 1292 calories
Step-by-step
- Set 3 cups of water to boil.
- Place olive oil in a large skillet that can be covered, and turn heat to medium-high.
- Add onions and a sprinkling of salt and pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions soften and become translucent, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove skin from chicken.
- Add rice to onions; stir until each grain glistens; sprinkle with saffron, and stir.
- Nestle chicken in rice, add a little more salt and pepper and pour in the boiling water.
- Turn heat to medium-low, and cover.
- Cook 20 minutes, until all water is absorbed and chicken is cooked through. (You can keep this warm over a very low flame for another 15 minutes; it will retain its heat for 15 minutes beyond that.)
- Garnish and serve with lemon or lime.
Chicken With Rice: A Weeknight Staple
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weeknights are a whirlwind of homework help, soccer practice, and the never-ending cycle of laundry. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious. That's where this simple chicken and rice recipe comes in. It's a lifesaver, honestly. I've adapted it over the years to suit my family's tastes and my increasingly limited time, and it's become a true weeknight staple.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques required. Just a few pantry staples and a bit of elbow grease. I often start by prepping the onions while the water boils for the rice. Then, it's just a matter of layering everything in the pan, letting it simmer, and voila! A complete, satisfying meal is ready in under half an hour. The flavors are surprisingly rich and comforting, despite the straightforward approach. The chicken becomes tender and juicy, infused with the subtle sweetness of the onions and the fragrant aroma of rice.
Variations and Tweaks: While I stick to the basics most nights, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Sometimes, I'll add a splash of chicken broth for extra depth of flavor. Other times, I throw in some frozen peas or chopped carrots during the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of color and nutrients. My kids love it when I add a sprinkle of dried herbs, like oregano or thyme. Really, the possibilities are endless! The key is to keep it simple and adjust it to your preference.
Serving Suggestions: This dish is perfect on its own, but it's also a wonderful foundation for a more elaborate meal. A simple side salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and rice. A dollop of plain yogurt or a squeeze of lemon adds a bright, tangy note. And if you're feeling particularly ambitious, a side of crusty bread is the ideal accompaniment for soaking up the delicious broth. I often serve it with some steamed broccoli to add another healthy element.
Beyond the Weeknight: This recipe isn't just for hurried weeknights. It's surprisingly versatile and adaptable for different occasions. For a slightly more upscale presentation, you could roast the chicken separately before adding it to the rice. This adds a nice char and a bit more depth of flavor. Or you could even experiment with different types of rice, such as brown rice or wild rice, for a healthier twist.
Making it Your Own: The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. It's a blank canvas on which you can create a dish that perfectly reflects your taste preferences and the ingredients available to you. Try adding different spices, vegetables, or proteins to elevate the dish to the next level. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! You'll be amazed at the endless variations you can create with this humble yet versatile dish.
This simple chicken and rice recipe is more than just a quick weeknight meal; it's a testament to the power of simplicity and the joy of creating delicious, nourishing food without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a true testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most satisfying.
I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it brings to my family. Enjoy!
