Baked Rice with Chicken and Vegetables
This Chicken and Veggie Rice Bake is a tasty and simple recipe that will wow your loved ones. The mix of soft chicken, tasty veggies, and creamy rice creates a delicious meal for any time. Whether you are having a dinner with friends or preparing a cozy meal for your family, this recipe will surely make everyone happy. Let’s explore this easy-to-follow recipe to make a dish that is both filling and elegant.
Ingredients
For the Vegetable Rice:
- 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, then into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 500 grams of white rice
- 400 milliliters of cream for cooking
For the Chicken:
- 1 entire chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of powdered onion
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preparing the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the sweet paprika, turmeric, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and powdered onion.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken pieces.
- Brown the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Preparing the Sauce:
- Cook the Onions and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, dried thyme, basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Preparing the Vegetable Rice:
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In a separate large pot, bring salted water to a boil and blanch the carrot rounds, zucchini strips, and diced red bell pepper for 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Rice and Cream:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the white rice and cooking cream.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In a large baking dish, spread an even layer of the rice and cream mixture.
- Distribute the blanched vegetables evenly over the rice.
- Place the browned chicken pieces on top of the vegetables and rice.
- Pour the Sauce:
- Pour the tomato and herb sauce evenly over the chicken, vegetables, and rice.
Baking:
- Bake the Dish:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Serving:
- Serve Hot:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Baked Rice with Chicken and Vegetables!
This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!