Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: forgotten chicken and rice! This dish is the epitome of simplicity and heartiness, combining tender chicken with fluffy rice and a medley of flavorful ingredients that just sing together. I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering; the aroma wafting through the house had everyone gathering in the kitchen, eagerly awaiting the first bite. It’s one of those meals that seems to make everything better, you know? You just toss everything into a baking dish, and voilà! You’ve got a cozy, satisfying dinner that practically cooks itself. I can’t wait for you to try it; trust me, this dish will become a staple in your home!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in for extra flavor)
- 1 cup of rice (uncooked, long-grain works great)
- 2 cups of chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 onion, chopped (yellow or white, whatever you have on hand)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (fresh gives the best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of paprika (smoky or sweet, your choice!)
- Salt to taste (I like a good pinch!)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is always best)
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (like carrots, peas, and corn; frozen works just fine)
How to Prepare Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Preheat and Sauté
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, grab a large skillet and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until they’re nice and soft—about 3 to 5 minutes. The smell is going to be amazing, and I promise it’ll make you want to dig in right away!
Combine Ingredients
Once your onion and garlic are soft, add in the uncooked rice and stir it around for about 2 minutes. Then, pour in the chicken broth, sprinkle in the paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a gentle boil; it’s the perfect moment to get those flavors mingling! You’ll see the rice start to absorb some of that liquid goodness.
Bake the Dish
Now, transfer that delicious rice mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place the chicken thighs right on top, and then scatter those vibrant mixed vegetables around. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep everything cozy while it bakes. Pop it in the oven for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and let it bake for another 15 minutes to get that lovely golden color on the chicken.
Final Touches
Once it’s done baking, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This step is essential because it allows the flavors to settle and makes sure the rice is perfectly fluffy. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation – it all comes together in just about 15 minutes of hands-on time!
- Easy cooking method – just toss everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the work.
- Hearty flavors that warm you up, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
- One-pot meal – less cleanup means more time enjoying your delicious creation.
- Kid-friendly and customizable – you can easily swap in your family’s favorite veggies or spices!
- Great for meal prep – leftovers are just as tasty, making it perfect for lunch the next day.
- Gluten-free option – a satisfying dish that everyone can enjoy!
Tips for Success
To make your forgotten chicken and rice truly shine, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, definitely use bone-in chicken thighs. They bring so much more flavor and juiciness to the dish compared to boneless cuts. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adjusting the spices to suit your taste—add a pinch of cayenne for heat or some Italian herbs for a twist. Also, make sure to spread the rice mixture evenly in the baking dish; this helps it cook evenly and absorb all those delicious flavors. If you have time, let the dish rest a little longer after baking. This extra time allows the rice to absorb any remaining broth and really enhances the overall flavor. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your meal from good to absolutely fantastic!
Nutritional Information
Before you dive into this delicious forgotten chicken and rice, let’s chat about the nutritional info! Each serving is estimated to have around 350 calories, with 12 grams of fat and 25 grams of protein. You’ll also find about 40 grams of carbs and 2 grams of sugar. Remember, these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But one thing’s for sure: you’re in for a hearty and satisfying meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that boneless chicken may cook faster, so be sure to check for doneness a bit earlier.
What can I substitute for the mixed vegetables?
Feel free to use any veggies you have on hand! Broccoli, bell peppers, or even green beans work wonderfully. Just chop them up and toss them in!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover forgotten chicken and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything and store it in the fridge before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, it is! Just let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Forgotten Chicken and Rice: 7 Simple Steps to Comfort
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A simple and hearty dish featuring chicken and rice cooked together with flavorful ingredients.
Zutaten
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup of rice
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
- Add the rice and stir for 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Transfer the rice mixture to a baking dish.
- Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice.
- Add the mixed vegetables around the chicken.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for more flavor.
- Adjust spices according to taste.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 1 hour
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 12g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 3g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 40g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterin: 75mg
Keywords: forgotten chicken and rice
