Chicken Taos with Rice

Chicken Taos with Rice Recipe - Delicious and Satisfying Meal

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken Taos with Rice is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a flavorful sauce served over fluffy rice. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

The origins of Chicken Taos with Rice are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional Southwestern cuisine. The combination of tender chicken, savory sauce, and fluffy rice is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed by families for generations.

Ingredients

12 pieces (about 2.5 lb or 1.13 kg) of choice chicken pieces
0.25 cup of flour
1 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
0.25 cup of butter or margarine
1 cup of chopped onion
0.25 tsp of garlic powder
2 tbsp of worcestershire sauce
1 cup of chili sauce
1.5 cups of chicken broth
0.5 cup of dry sherry
3 cups of hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Roll the chicken in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper.
Brown the chicken in butter. Push the chicken to one side.
Add the onion and cook until it becomes transparent.
Stir in butter, onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, chili sauce, broth, and sherry. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 35 minutes.
If desired, thicken the sauce with 2 tbsp of flour blended with 0.25 cup of water.
Serve the chicken and sauce over fluffy rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for a different flavor and texture.
Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken pieces well before adding the sauce to ensure a rich and flavorful dish.

- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences, adding more or less garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, or chili sauce as desired.

- For a thicker sauce, you can mix a small amount of flour with water and add it to the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

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

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include browning the chicken, sautéing the onions, and simmering the sauce to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have chili sauce, you can use ketchup mixed with a dash of hot sauce as a substitute. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the chicken as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Taos with Rice in a large serving dish with the rice on the bottom and the chicken pieces arranged on top. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Taos with Rice with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect meal.

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 stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

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

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Taos with Rice contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Taos with Rice contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Taos with Rice is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (flour) and soy (Worcestershire sauce).

Summary

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

Summary

Chicken Taos with Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With tender chicken pieces in a flavorful sauce served over fluffy rice, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory that I hold close to my heart. It was a warm summer day in Taos, New Mexico, and I was visiting a dear friend who had invited me over for dinner. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was enveloped in the most tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs. My friend greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye, promising me a meal that would transport me to another world.

As we chatted and caught up on each other's lives, my friend moved gracefully around the kitchen, effortlessly preparing a meal that seemed like a work of art. I watched in awe as she diced vegetables, marinated the chicken, and cooked the rice with such precision and care. I couldn't help but ask her what she was making, and she replied with a smile, "Chicken Taos with Rice."

I had never heard of this dish before, but from the moment I took my first bite, I knew that it would become a staple in my own kitchen. The flavors danced on my taste buds, with the perfect balance of savory and spicy, and the tender chicken practically melted in my mouth. I begged my friend for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me, along with a few tips and tricks to make it just right.

From that moment on, Chicken Taos with Rice became a favorite in my household. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a quiet dinner at home. Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that until it became my own signature dish.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family members, passing on the tradition of Chicken Taos with Rice to the next generation. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Taos, surrounded by good food and even better company. It has become more than just a recipe to me – it is a memory, a connection to a place and time that I hold dear.

To make Chicken Taos with Rice, you will need the following ingredients:

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- 1 onion, diced

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 bell pepper, diced

- 1 cup of long-grain rice

- 1 can of diced tomatoes

- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed

- 1 teaspoon of cumin

- 1 teaspoon of chili powder

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Olive oil for cooking

To begin, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the oil and vegetables.

Next, add the diced tomatoes, black beans, and a cup of water to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the rice simmer for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through.

While the rice is cooking, shred the cooked chicken with two forks. Once the rice is done, stir the chicken into the skillet, making sure to mix everything together well. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serve the Chicken Taos with Rice hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy this delicious and comforting dish with loved ones, and savor the memories that it brings with each bite.