Are you looking for a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! This Dirty Rice with Chicken recipe is a fantastic blend of savory chicken, tender rice, and vibrant vegetables, all cooked together in one pot for effortless cleanup. It's a perfect example of how delicious homemade cooking can be, even on busy days. This recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Consider it your new go-to for satisfying, delicious dishes.
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
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
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Sauté the chicken and vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot 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 pot and set aside. Add the onion, bell peppers, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine all ingredients: Add the rice, diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
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Simmer until rice is cooked: Return the chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
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Serve and enjoy: Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Dirty Rice:
- Don't overcook the rice: Overcooked rice will be mushy. Follow the cooking time carefully and check for doneness before the full 20 minutes are up.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, omit the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, add a pinch of chili powder or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini.
- Use different protein: Ground beef or turkey can be substituted for chicken. Simply brown the meat before adding the vegetables.
Variations:
- Dirty Rice with Sausage: Substitute 1 pound of your favorite sausage (Italian sausage, chorizo, andouille) for the chicken.
- Vegetarian Dirty Rice: Omit the chicken and add 1 cup of cooked black beans or lentils for extra protein.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This easy recipe for dirty rice with chicken is a fantastic addition to your weekly meal rotation. It's a complete meal, packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Enjoy!