Enjoy a delicious and comforting meal with this Creamy Chicken with Vegetable Rice recipe. Tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, creamy sauce paired with vibrant vegetable rice make this dish perfect for any dinner occasion. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 chicken breasts, cut into pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Olive oil for marinating
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 regular onion, sliced
- Oil for frying
- Butter for frying
- 100 ml tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Rice:
- 1 cup rice
- 360 ml water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- Olive oil for frying
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and leave to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Heat Oil and Butter:
- In a large pan, heat some oil and butter over medium heat.
- Fry Onions:
- Add the sliced red onion and regular onion. Fry for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Tomato Paste:
- Add the tomato paste, water, and sugar. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Cook Chicken:
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Fry over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the chicken starts to brown.
- Pour in the cream, cover the pan, and cook for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is creamy.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter to enrich the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
- Cook Rice:
- In a medium pot, combine the rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a separate pan, heat a little olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and red bell pepper. Fry until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the canned corn and stir well.
- Combine Rice and Vegetables:
- Add the cooked rice to the pan with the vegetables and mix well to combine.
Step 4: Serve
- Plate the Dish:
- Plate the creamy chicken with a portion of the vegetable rice.
- Garnish with fresh dill.
- Enjoy! 😋
Tips for Success
- Marinate Well: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to ensure it absorbs all the flavors.
- Creamy Sauce: Ensure the sauce is well mixed and not too thick. Adjust with a bit more cream or water if necessary.
- Tender Vegetables: Fry the vegetables until tender but still slightly crisp to add texture to the rice.
Health Benefits
This dish offers a balanced meal with protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the rice, and vitamins from the vegetables. The use of fresh ingredients and herbs also adds to its nutritional value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and more water.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the rice?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add peas, zucchini, or any other vegetables you like.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Creamy Chicken with Vegetable Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, creamy sauce and vibrant vegetable rice, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy this delicious recipe and explore more of our recipes for additional culinary inspiration!