Chicken with Pimiento Rice

Chicken with Pimiento Rice Recipe - American Cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken with Pimiento Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken in a creamy sauce with flavorful pimiento rice. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

This recipe has roots in traditional American cuisine, with influences from Southern and European cooking. The combination of chicken, creamy sauce, and pimiento rice creates a satisfying and flavorful meal that has been enjoyed by families for generations.

Ingredients

2 to 2.5 lb (227 g) frying chicken, cut up
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp butter or margarine
0.33 cup minced onion
2 tbsp dry sherry
0.25 cup flour
1.5 cup sour cream
1.5 cup chicken broth
2 tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped
1 bay leaf
3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
3 tbsp chopped pimentos
3 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown it in butter in a large skillet over medium heat until golden on each side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Add the onion and sherry; cook until tender. Blend in flour and cook until golden brown. Stir in sour cream and broth; blend until smooth. Add tomatoes and bay leaf.
Arrange the chicken pieces in the sauce. Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender. Remove the bay leaf. Stir parsley and pimentos into the rice; toss lightly. Serve the chicken and sauce over hot pimento rice.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with turkey or pork for a different flavor.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra vegetables.
Use different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken well before adding it to the sauce, as this will help develop flavor.

- Be sure to cook the flour until golden brown to avoid a raw flour taste in the sauce.

- Stir the sauce frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt and pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions

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

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering it in the sauce helps develop flavor.

- Cooking the flour until golden brown helps thicken the sauce and adds a nutty flavor.

- Simmering the chicken in the sauce helps infuse it with flavor and ensures it is tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option.

- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time, then simply cook the chicken and assemble the dish when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken with Pimiento Rice in a large serving dish garnished with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine or a light beer to complement the creamy sauce and tender chicken.

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 with Pimiento Rice contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish primarily come from the rice and flour used in the sauce. Each serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the margarine, sour cream, and chicken broth. Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

The protein in this dish comes from the chicken. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. The tomatoes and pimentos provide a boost of vitamins and minerals to the dish.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and wheat (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

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

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Chicken with Pimiento Rice. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Martha in her cozy little kitchen. Martha was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and that day she was making this mouthwatering dish that I had never seen before.

As Martha diced the onions and bell peppers, the aroma of sautéed vegetables filled the air. I watched in awe as she added the chicken thighs to the pan, browning them to perfection. The sizzle of the meat as it cooked made my stomach growl with anticipation.

Curious, I asked Martha where she had learned to make such a delectable dish. She smiled and told me that she had picked up the recipe from her grandmother, who had learned it from a friend many years ago. She handed me a piece of paper with the recipe written in beautiful cursive handwriting, and I knew that I had to try making it myself.

I went home that day with the recipe clutched in my hand, determined to recreate the magic that I had witnessed in Martha's kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients – chicken thighs, long grain rice, pimientos, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and chicken broth – and set to work.

As I chopped and sautéed, I found myself lost in the rhythm of cooking. The familiar sounds and smells of the kitchen enveloped me, comforting me like a warm embrace. I could almost hear my grandmother's voice guiding me through the recipe, her gentle encouragement spurring me on.

When the dish was finally done, I plated it up and took a tentative bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the tender chicken, the savory rice, and the hint of sweetness from the pimientos. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I made Chicken with Pimiento Rice countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I added a dash of paprika for a bit of heat, or a splash of white wine for an extra layer of flavor. No matter how I changed it, the dish always turned out delicious, a testament to the enduring power of a good recipe.

As I shared the dish with friends and family, they marveled at the flavors and asked for the recipe. I happily obliged, passing on the knowledge that had been passed down to me. It was a way of keeping my grandmother's memory alive, of honoring the traditions that had shaped me into the cook that I was.

Now, as I sit in my own cozy kitchen, preparing Chicken with Pimiento Rice for yet another family dinner, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipe that brought me so much joy. It's not just a dish – it's a connection to the past, a link to the generations of cooks who came before me.

And as I take the first bite of the steaming hot rice and tender chicken, I can almost hear my grandmother's laughter, echoing through the years. It's a reminder that some recipes are more than just instructions – they're a legacy, a gift that keeps on giving. And for that, I am eternally grateful.