Chicken Piquante with Rice

Chicken Piquante with Rice Recipe - A Savory Dish from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Piquante with Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a tangy tomato sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, as it is sure to impress your guests with its bold flavors and comforting textures.

History

Chicken Piquante with Rice is a classic dish that has its roots in traditional Southern cuisine. The combination of tender chicken, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic spices has been a favorite in households for generations. This recipe has been passed down through families and adapted to suit different tastes and preferences, making it a versatile and beloved dish.

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 1.5 lb (680 g))
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped celery
0.5 cup chopped onion
0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 lb (454 g) fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and cut into 0.5 inch cubes
0.25 to 0.5 tsp ground red pepper
1 x 15 oz (425 g) can tomato sauce
2 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat until it is hot. Add the chicken and cook until it is brown on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Reduce the heat to low and add flour to the oil remaining in the skillet. Stir for about 15 minutes or until the flour is brown, being careful not to burn it. Add celery, onion, and parsley to the skillet and cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes.
Return the chicken to the skillet and add tomatoes, pepper, and tomato sauce. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Serve the dish over hot rice and garnish as desired.

Variations

Add bell peppers or mushrooms to the dish for extra flavor and texture.
Use bone-in chicken pieces for a more rustic presentation.
Substitute the rice with quinoa or couscous for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken well before adding it back to the skillet, as this will help to develop a rich flavor in the dish.

- Be careful not to burn the flour when making the roux, as this can give the dish a bitter taste.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper to suit your spice preference - you can add more or less depending on how spicy you like your food.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Piquante with Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering it in the sauce helps to develop a rich flavor in the dish.

- Making a roux with flour and oil helps to thicken the sauce and give it a velvety texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a more flavorful dish.

- Substitute canned diced tomatoes for fresh tomatoes if they are not in season.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it on the stove and add the cooked chicken before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Chicken Piquante with Rice with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Piquante with Rice contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Piquante with Rice contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Piquante with Rice contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Piquante with Rice contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Piquante with Rice is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (from the flour) and may contain soy (from the vegetable oil). Please check for allergens before consuming.

Summary

Chicken Piquante with Rice is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Piquante with Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With its bold flavors and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Isabelle in her charming little cottage by the sea. Isabelle was always full of surprises, and that day was no exception.

As soon as I walked through her front door, I was greeted by the most incredible aroma wafting from her kitchen. Isabelle was bustling about, a twinkle in her eye as she stirred a bubbling pot on the stove.

"Come, my dear," she said with a smile. "I have a new recipe to share with you today. It's my famous Chicken Piquante with Rice."

I had never heard of Chicken Piquante before, but I was intrigued. Isabelle had a way of making even the simplest dish taste like a gourmet meal.

She began to recount the story of how she came across the recipe. It was many years ago, during a trip to the bustling markets of New Orleans. Isabelle had always been drawn to the flavors and spices of Cajun cuisine, and she was determined to learn how to recreate them in her own kitchen.

One day, as she wandered through the crowded stalls of the French Market, she stumbled upon a small, unassuming booth run by an elderly Creole woman. The woman was selling jars of homemade spice blends, each one more fragrant and exotic than the last.

Isabelle struck up a conversation with the woman, who turned out to be a renowned chef in her own right. The woman shared stories of her childhood in the bayous of Louisiana, where she learned to cook from her own grandmother.

As they talked, the woman revealed the secret to her famous Chicken Piquante. It was a simple yet flavorful dish, made with tender chicken simmered in a spicy tomato sauce and served over a bed of fluffy white rice.

Isabelle was captivated by the woman's passion for cooking and her dedication to preserving the traditions of her ancestors. She knew that she had to learn how to make Chicken Piquante for herself.

With the woman's guidance, Isabelle spent the rest of her trip exploring the markets of New Orleans, gathering the freshest ingredients and soaking up the vibrant culture of the city. When she returned home, she set to work in her own kitchen, determined to recreate the flavors of the bayou.

After many hours of trial and error, Isabelle finally perfected her recipe for Chicken Piquante. The dish was a symphony of flavors - tangy tomatoes, spicy peppers, and tender chicken that fell apart at the touch of a fork.

As she finished telling me the story, Isabelle ladled a generous portion of Chicken Piquante onto a plate and handed it to me with a smile. I took a bite, savoring the rich flavors and the warmth of the spices.

From that day on, Chicken Piquante became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for family dinners, holiday gatherings, and quiet nights at home. Each time, I would think of Isabelle and the magical day we spent together in her cozy cottage by the sea.

As I sit here now, stirring a pot of bubbling Chicken Piquante on my own stove, I can't help but feel grateful for the friendships and memories that have shaped my love of cooking. And I know that as long as I have a kitchen to call my own, the flavors of the bayou will always have a place at my table.