Savory Chicken and Rice Bliss
Experience the delightful fusion of flavors in this Savory Chicken and Rice Bliss. This dish offers tender, golden-brown chicken strips nestled in a fluffy bed of rice infused with spices, veggies, and a hint of saffron. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this one-pot wonder is easy to prepare and is sure to become a favorite at your dining table. Enjoy it with loved ones and share the warmth of a home-cooked meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for cooking)
chicken breasts
2 (cut into strips)
flour
1/2 cup (for dredging)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
chicken stock
2 cups
instant rice
2 cups (for use)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (drained)
oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
hot paprika
1 teaspoon (or to taste)
saffron threads
1 pinch (optional)
Instructions
1
In a shallow dish, combine flour with salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge the chicken strips in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
2
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken strips and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.
3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, drained diced tomatoes, saffron threads, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
4
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil if needed, and toast the instant rice for about 2-3 minutes until slightly golden. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent.
5
Return the browned chicken to the skillet, then pour the stock mixture over the rice and chicken. Bring the dish to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
6
Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is fully cooked through, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully together. Remove from heat and let sit for a few moments before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chicken and Rice Bliss?
It is a comforting one-pot meal featuring golden-brown chicken strips served over a bed of fluffy rice seasoned with saffron, paprika, and vegetables.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 13 ingredients, including chicken breasts, instant rice, chicken stock, and various spices.
Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, but you will need to increase the amount of chicken stock and the cooking time significantly, as regular rice takes much longer to cook than instant rice.
What is the best way to prepare the chicken?
The chicken should be cut into strips and dredged in a mixture of flour, salt, pepper, and paprika before being browned in a skillet.
Is saffron mandatory for this dish?
No, saffron threads are optional, though they add a traditional aroma and a beautiful golden hue to the rice.
What can I substitute for saffron?
If you do not have saffron, you can use a pinch of turmeric for color or simply omit it without affecting the structural success of the recipe.
How long does the dish need to simmer?
Once combined, the dish should simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is fully cooked.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are a great alternative and often remain more moist and flavorful during the simmering process.
Why do I need to toast the rice?
Toasting the instant rice for 2-3 minutes adds a nutty flavor and helps the grains maintain a better texture when cooked.
What type of paprika should I use?
The recipe suggests hot paprika for a bit of a kick, but you can use sweet or smoked paprika depending on your heat tolerance.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
Yes, ensure you drain the 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes before adding them to the stock mixture.
How do I ensure the chicken is golden brown?
Dredge the strips in flour and cook them in hot olive oil for about 5 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms.
Can I add more vegetables to this meal?
Yes, adding frozen peas, bell peppers, or chopped carrots during the sautéing phase is a great way to increase the nutritional value.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
As written, it contains flour. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging or omit the flouring step entirely.
What kind of stock works best?
Chicken stock provides the most depth, but vegetable stock can also be used if preferred.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
It is better suited for stovetop cooking because instant rice can become overly mushy in a slow cooker's long heat cycle.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves to be sautéed with the onions.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute canned tomatoes with approximately 1.5 cups of fresh, chopped tomatoes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
How should I reheat this dish?
Reheat it in a microwave with a splash of water or stock to keep the rice from drying out, or on the stovetop over low heat.
Can I freeze Savory Chicken and Rice Bliss?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
What is the purpose of the flour dredging?
The flour helps brown the chicken and slightly thickens the sauce as the dish simmers.
Is this dish considered kid-friendly?
Yes, it is a mild and savory meal that generally appeals to children, especially if you use sweet paprika instead of hot.
Can I use brown rice?
If using instant brown rice, follow the package instructions for liquid and time. Regular brown rice will require much more liquid and about 45 minutes of cooking.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of olive oil for cooking the chicken and sautéing the rice and vegetables.
What size skillet should I use?
A large skillet with a tight-fitting lid is best to ensure all the ingredients fit and the steam is trapped for the rice to cook.
Is the onion chopped or sliced?
The recipe calls for one medium onion, which should be chopped before sautéing.
Can I use water instead of stock?
You can, but the dish will be less flavorful. If using water, consider adding extra salt and spices to compensate.
How long should I let the dish sit after cooking?
Letting the dish sit for a few minutes after removing it from the heat helps the rice finish absorbing any remaining moisture.
What tags define this recipe?
This dish is categorized as a one-dish meal, comfort food, easy dinner, and a family-style chicken recipe.