California Rice Skillet
California Rice Skillet Recipe: A Taste of the Golden State | USA
Introduction
This California Rice Skillet recipe is a delicious and easy one-skillet meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Packed with chicken, rice, vegetables, and cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
History
The California Rice Skillet recipe is a modern twist on traditional skillet meals. It combines the flavors of California-style vegetables with chicken, rice, and cheese to create a hearty and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 3 whole chicken breasts, skinned, boned, and cut into large pieces
- 1 tbsp butter or margarine
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1.25 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp dry mustard
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 0.25 cup sherry
- 0.5 cup sliced green onions
- 0.5 (18 oz) package (2.5 cups) frozen California-style vegetables*, thawed
- 1 cup (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
How to prepare
- Brown the chicken lightly in butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add rice, salt, mustard, broth, and sherry.
- Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add onions and vegetables, cover, and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir 0.5 cup of cheese into the rice. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of cheese on top.
- Replace the cover until the cheese melts.
Variations
- Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Add in some diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
- Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to brown the chicken before adding the rice to give it a nice flavor.
- Be sure to use a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid to ensure that the rice cooks evenly.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this California Rice Skillet with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
The key cooking techniques for this recipe include browning the chicken, simmering the rice, and melting the cheese on top.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have sherry on hand, you can substitute white wine or chicken broth. You can also use any type of frozen vegetables you prefer in place of the California-style blend.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the California Rice Skillet up to the point of adding the cheese on top. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to finish cooking.
Presentation Ideas
Serve this dish in the skillet at the table for a rustic and cozy presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
This California Rice Skillet pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. A side of garlic bread or a green salad would also complement this dish nicely.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or warm in a skillet on the stove.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this California Rice Skillet contains approximately 400 calories.
Carbohydrates
This California Rice Skillet recipe contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Fats
This dish contains approximately 15 grams of fat per serving.
Proteins
Each serving of this California Rice Skillet provides about 25 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
This recipe is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (rice), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.
Summary
Overall, this California Rice Skillet recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Summary
This California Rice Skillet recipe is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is easy to make and perfect for a busy weeknight. With a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a warm summer day in California, and I had been invited to a potluck dinner by some friends. As I scanned the buffet table, my eyes landed on a colorful dish that immediately caught my attention. It was a California Rice Skillet, a medley of rice, vegetables, and protein all cooked together in perfect harmony.
I made a beeline for the dish and took a small bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the nutty rice, the crisp vegetables, the tender chunks of chicken - it was a symphony of tastes and textures that I had never experienced before. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.
I approached the host of the potluck, a lovely woman named Maria, and asked her for the recipe. She smiled warmly and told me that it was a family recipe that had been passed down through the generations. She offered to teach me how to make it, and I eagerly accepted.
We spent the afternoon in Maria's kitchen, chopping vegetables, cooking rice, and sautéing the chicken. She showed me all the little tricks and techniques that made her California Rice Skillet so special - the way to season the dish just right, the perfect timing for adding each ingredient, the secret ingredient that brought it all together.
As we sat down to enjoy the meal we had prepared together, Maria shared stories of her family and the origins of the recipe. She told me how her grandmother had first created the dish as a way to use up leftover ingredients in the pantry, and how it had become a beloved family favorite over the years.
I left Maria's house that day with a full belly and a heart full of gratitude. Not only had I learned how to make a delicious new recipe, but I had also made a new friend in Maria. We continued to cook together, swapping recipes and sharing stories, and our friendship grew stronger with each meal we shared.
Over the years, I have made my own tweaks and modifications to the California Rice Skillet recipe, adding my own personal touch to the dish. I have shared it with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this delicious meal to the next generation.
Every time I make California Rice Skillet, I am transported back to that sunny day in Maria's kitchen, surrounded by the laughter and love of good friends. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.
And so, as I stand in my own kitchen now, preparing a batch of California Rice Skillet for dinner, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for all the wonderful experiences and relationships that this recipe has brought into my life. I know that as long as I have good food and good friends to share it with, I will always be happy.
Categories
| American Recipes | Cheddar Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Main Dish Poultry Recipes | Rice Recipes | Sherry Recipes |