Craving a delicious, comforting meal that's also quick to prepare? Look no further! This Dirty Rice with Chicken recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. It's a flavorful, one-pan wonder that's perfect for busy weeknights, satisfying even the pickiest eaters. This easy recipe delivers big on taste without sacrificing simplicity. It’s a great example of healthy meals that are also incredibly delicious. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Combine and Simmer
Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the vegetables. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and thyme. Stir well to combine.
Return the chicken to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the green onions. Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Dirty Rice:
- Chicken Choice: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe, you can also use thighs for a richer flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference. For a milder dish, omit it altogether or use a smaller amount. For extra heat, add a pinch of chili powder.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini.
- One-Pot Wonder: This recipe is designed to be made in a single skillet or Dutch oven, minimizing cleanup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This Dirty Rice with Chicken recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. It’s a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are also easy to make. Enjoy!