Cuban Comfort Chicken and Rice Bake
This Cuban-inspired Chicken and Rice Bake is a cherished comfort dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of Miami's culinary heritage. Perfect for gatherings, brunches, or a family meal, it combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, and colorful vegetables nestled in savory seasoned rice, all topped with melted cheese. While it requires a bit of effort, the end result is a hearty and flavorful casserole that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Pair it with a crisp salad and a glass of Argentinian Merlot or a refreshing white wine for an unforgettable dining experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breasts (or thighs)
3 lbs (washed)
Bacon
6 slices (cut into slivers)
Olive oil
to taste (for sautéing)
Medium onions
2 (finely chopped)
Green bell pepper
1 (cored, seeded, chopped)
Green onions
4 (trimmed, chopped)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Garlic cloves
6 (minced)
Tomato sauce
3 ounces (canned)
Sherry wine
2 tablespoons (optional)
Frozen green peas
1/2 cup (frozen)
Chopped pimento
4 ounces (not roasted)
Lime
1 (juiced)
Salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Long grain rice
4 cups (uncooked)
Chicken broth
8 cups (from cooked chicken)
Bijol seasoning or paprika
2 teaspoons (for color and flavor)
Hellmann's mayonnaise
7 tablespoons (not salad dressing)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (for layering)
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups (for topping)
Pimento stuffed olives
1/4 cup (sliced and drained)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the chicken and placing it into a large stock pot. Add enough water (about 1-1.5 quarts) to completely cover the chicken.
2
Bring the water to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Add one chopped onion, two garlic cloves, chopped celery, chopped carrots, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook uncovered until the chicken is tender and easily falls apart, ensuring to check in on the broth and chicken occasionally.
3
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the pot, reserving the broth for later use. Strain the broth to remove excess fat and set aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken into small pieces with your hands.
4
In a large frying pan, sauté the slivered bacon over medium heat until just crispy, then drain most of the fat while retaining a small amount for flavor.
5
Add a touch of olive oil to the pan, then introduce the chopped onion, green bell pepper, green onions, oregano, and bay leaf. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent.
6
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, ensuring it does not burn.
7
Add the tomato sauce, shredded chicken, and sherry (if using) to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
8
During the last five minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas, chopped pimentos, lime juice, and sliced olives to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
9
In a large covered saucepan, combine the rice with 8 cups of the reserved chicken broth and the bijol seasoning or paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and cook covered for around 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
10
Once cooked, incorporate the mayonnaise into the rice gradually, mixing thoroughly until evenly distributed.
11
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a greased 13x9x2 inch baking dish, layer 1/3 of the rice mixture on the bottom. Top it with the chicken mixture, followed by another layer of rice. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese over this layer.
12
Add the remaining rice mixture on top, then finish by sprinkling the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and spreading the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the entire surface.
13
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Serve warm and enjoy your well-deserved creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cuban Comfort Chicken and Rice Bake?
This is a hearty, Cuban-inspired casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, smoky bacon, and seasoned rice topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese.
What are the key flavors in this dish?
The dish features a vibrant mix of smoky bacon, savory garlic, oregano, bay leaf, tangy lime juice, and salty pimento-stuffed olives.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 pounds of chicken breasts or thighs which are washed and then boiled until tender.
How is the chicken initially prepared?
The chicken is placed in a stock pot with water, onion, garlic, celery, and carrots, then simmered until it is tender enough to fall apart.
What do I do with the liquid used to boil the chicken?
You must reserve and strain the broth to remove excess fat; 8 cups of this broth are later used to cook the rice.
How is the bacon used in the recipe?
Six slices of bacon are cut into slivers and sauteed until crispy to provide a flavor base for the vegetables.
What vegetables are sauteed for the chicken mixture?
The recipe uses chopped onions, green bell pepper, and green onions, which are sauteed in bacon fat and olive oil.
What gives the rice its yellow color?
The rice is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of bijol seasoning or paprika to provide its characteristic color and flavor.
Why is mayonnaise added to the rice?
Seven tablespoons of mayonnaise are mixed into the cooked rice to add moisture and a creamy texture to the bake.
Can I use salad dressing instead of mayonnaise?
No, the recipe specifically states to use Hellmann's mayonnaise and not salad dressing.
What kind of rice is recommended?
The recipe requires 4 cups of uncooked long grain rice.
Is sherry wine necessary for this recipe?
The use of 2 tablespoons of sherry wine is optional but adds depth to the chicken mixture.
When are the green peas added?
Frozen green peas are added to the chicken and tomato sauce mixture during the last five minutes of simmering.
What types of cheese are used in this casserole?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for layering and 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese for the topping.
How many garlic cloves are needed in total?
Six minced garlic cloves are used in the main pan mixture, in addition to those used in the initial chicken boiling step.
What size baking dish is needed?
You will need a greased 13x9x2 inch baking dish to assemble the casserole.
How is the casserole layered?
It is layered with 1/3 of the rice, followed by the chicken mixture, more rice, Parmesan cheese, the remaining rice, and finally the cheese topping.
At what temperature should I bake the casserole?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 160 degrees Celsius.
How long does the dish take to bake?
The dish should bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
What is the role of pimentos in this dish?
Four ounces of chopped pimentos are added to the chicken mixture to provide color and a mild, sweet flavor.
What type of olives are used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of pimento-stuffed olives, which should be sliced and drained before adding.
How much tomato sauce is required?
The chicken mixture uses 3 ounces of canned tomato sauce.
Is lime juice used in the recipe?
Yes, the juice of one lime is added to the chicken mixture to provide a bright, citrus finish.
How should I prepare the chicken after boiling it?
Once cooled, you should shred the chicken into small pieces by hand.
Can I substitute bijol seasoning?
Yes, if you cannot find bijol seasoning, you can use 2 teaspoons of paprika as a substitute for color and flavor.
What should I serve with this meal?
It is recommended to pair this dish with a crisp salad and a glass of Argentinian Merlot or a refreshing white wine.
Is this a good dish for guests?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for gatherings, brunches, or family meals due to its hearty and flavorful nature.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh oregano?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How much rice is used?
The recipe requires 4 cups of uncooked rice, which expands significantly when cooked in 8 cups of broth.
What is the final texture of the dish?
The final dish is a hearty and savory casserole with a creamy rice interior and a gooey, browned cheese topping.