Chicken and Rice with Paprika

Macedonian Chicken and Rice with Paprika Recipe

Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Servings: 5

Introduction

Chicken and Rice with Paprika is a classic comfort food dish that is both hearty and flavorful. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with fluffy rice, all seasoned with the warm and smoky flavor of paprika. It is a simple and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional Hungarian cuisine, where paprika is a staple spice. Paprika is made from ground, dried peppers and adds a rich, earthy flavor to dishes. The combination of chicken, rice, and paprika creates a comforting and delicious meal that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

water
2 cups long grain rice
5 chicken pieces
salt and pepper to taste
0.25 cup butter
parsley
1 medium onion
1 tsp paprika
1 small piece celery

How to prepare

Place the chicken in a pot and cover it with at least 6 cups of water.
Bring the water to a boil, removing any scum from the top. Add salt and cook until the chicken is tender, approximately 1 hour.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a frying pan and sauté finely chopped onion and celery until they turn a light golden color. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, measure 5 cups of the broth and pour it into the frying pan. Bring it to a boil.
Add rice and 1 tsp of salt to the boiling broth. Cover and cook slowly until the water is absorbed, which should take about 20 minutes.
Transfer the cooked rice to a warm serving dish. While the rice is boiling, remove the chicken pieces from the pot and drain them well. Brown the chicken in melted butter and 1 tsp of paprika.
Place the chicken pieces over the rice.
Sprinkle the dish with chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
Use different spices, such as cumin or chili powder, for a different flavor profile.
Substitute brown rice for white rice for a healthier option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove any scum that rises to the top of the water when boiling the chicken to ensure a clear broth.

- Sautéing the onion and celery until they are golden brown will add depth of flavor to the dish.

- Browning the chicken in butter and paprika before serving adds a beautiful color and extra flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken and Rice with Paprika with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a glass of white wine for a special touch.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the chicken in water creates a flavorful broth that is used to cook the rice.

- Sautéing the onion and celery before adding the broth adds depth of flavor to the dish.

- Browning the chicken in butter and paprika before serving adds color and flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of chicken pieces.

- Olive oil can be used instead of butter for a healthier option.

- You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and rice ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and rice in a skillet until heated through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken and Rice with Paprika in a large serving dish, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika. You can also serve it in individual bowls for a cozy and comforting presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken and Rice with Paprika pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Chicken and Rice with Paprika in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken and Rice with Paprika contains approximately 400 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken and Rice with Paprika contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The rice provides a good source of complex carbohydrates, which are a great source of energy for the body.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken and Rice with Paprika contains approximately 15 grams of fat. The butter used in the recipe adds richness and flavor to the dish.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken and Rice with Paprika contains approximately 25 grams of protein. The chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, niacin, phosphorus, and selenium. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and celery. It may not be suitable for those with dairy or celery allergies.

Summary

Chicken and Rice with Paprika is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold dear to my heart. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. I had always loved to cook, and I would spend hours in the kitchen with my mother, learning how to make traditional dishes that had been passed down through generations.

One day, my mother's friend, Mrs. Petrov, came to visit us. She was a kind and generous woman, with a wealth of knowledge when it came to cooking. As we sat around the kitchen table, sipping tea and chatting, Mrs. Petrov suddenly mentioned a recipe for Chicken and Rice with Paprika that she had learned from her grandmother.

I was instantly intrigued. I had never heard of such a dish before, but the thought of tender chicken cooked in a rich paprika sauce with fluffy rice sounded absolutely delicious. Mrs. Petrov must have seen the spark of curiosity in my eyes, because she immediately offered to teach me how to make it.

The next day, Mrs. Petrov came over to our house with all the ingredients we would need. She showed me how to marinate the chicken in a mixture of paprika, garlic, and lemon juice, and then brown it in a hot skillet until it was golden and crispy. The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

As the chicken simmered in a fragrant tomato and paprika sauce, Mrs. Petrov taught me how to make the perfect fluffy rice to serve alongside it. She explained that the key was to sauté the rice in butter before adding the liquid, which would give it a rich, nutty flavor. I watched in awe as she worked her magic, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

Finally, the dish was ready, and we sat down to eat. The first bite was like a burst of flavor in my mouth – the tender chicken, the creamy rice, and the smoky paprika all combined to create a dish that was truly unforgettable. I couldn't believe that I had never tasted anything like it before.

From that day on, Chicken and Rice with Paprika became a staple in our household. I would make it for special occasions, like birthdays and holidays, and it never failed to impress my family and friends. The recipe had become a part of me, a symbol of the love and friendship that had brought it into my life.

As the years passed, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twist and flavors to make it truly my own. But no matter how many times I made it, the memory of that first time – of Mrs. Petrov's kindness and generosity, of the joy of discovering something new and delicious – would always stay with me.

And now, as I sit here in my kitchen, preparing Chicken and Rice with Paprika for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile. I am passing down not just a recipe, but a story – a story of friendship, of discovery, and of the simple joy of sharing a meal with the ones you love. And I know that as long as this dish is on our table, the memory of that happy day will live on, forever.