Chicken with Rice and Peas

Chicken and Rice Recipe with Peas | American Cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken with Rice and Peas is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines tender chicken tenders with savory mushrooms, sweet peas, and flavorful seasonings to create a satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

Chicken with Rice and Peas is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. This recipe is a popular choice for busy weeknights because it is quick and easy to prepare, yet still packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of chicken, rice, and peas is a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 lb (680 g) chicken tenders
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
0.5 cup drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil
1 x 10 oz (283 g) package frozen green peas or one 16 oz (454 g) can green peas, drained
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp cornstarch
1.5 cups chicken broth
3 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot. Add chicken, mushrooms, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir for 4 to 6 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
Reduce the heat to medium and add tomatoes, peas, and oregano. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and broth.
Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and stir until the liquid comes to a boil. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes more or until the sauce thickens.
Serve the dish over hot rice.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and flavor.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.
Try using different herbs and spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to change up the flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the chicken until it is no longer pink in the center to ensure that it is fully cooked.

- Use fresh mushrooms for the best flavor, but you can also use canned mushrooms if that is what you have on hand.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings to make it your own.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken with Rice and Peas with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the chicken and mushrooms until they are golden brown for added flavor.

- Simmer the peas and tomatoes with the chicken broth to infuse the dish with rich, savory flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders.

- Substitute fresh peas for frozen peas if they are in season.

- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Simply reheat the mixture and serve it over hot rice for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the Chicken with Rice and Peas in a large serving bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken with Rice and Peas with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, for a perfect match. You can also serve this dish with a light beer or sparkling water for a refreshing beverage option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until it is heated through, or reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken with Rice and Peas contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

Each serving of Chicken with Rice and Peas contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken with Rice and Peas contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the cornstarch used to thicken the sauce. It also contains soy from the chicken broth.

Summary

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

Summary

Chicken with Rice and Peas is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Serve this dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal that everyone will love.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was given to me by my dear friend Maria, who had learned it from her grandmother many years ago. The smell of the chicken cooking in the fragrant broth, mixed with the earthy scent of the rice and the sweetness of the peas, filled the kitchen with a comforting warmth that seemed to wrap around me like a cozy blanket.

Maria had invited me over for dinner one evening, and as soon as I walked into her home, I knew I was in for a treat. The aroma of the Chicken with Rice and Peas wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I watched as Maria moved around the kitchen with a grace and confidence that comes from years of experience.

As she stirred the pot of simmering chicken, she told me the story of how she had learned to make this dish. Her grandmother had been a talented cook, known throughout the neighborhood for her delicious meals. Maria had spent countless hours by her side, watching and learning as her grandmother worked her magic in the kitchen.

When her grandmother passed away, Maria inherited her collection of recipes, each one a precious treasure filled with memories of shared meals and laughter. The Chicken with Rice and Peas was one of her favorites, a dish that had been passed down through generations of women in her family.

As we sat down to eat, the flavors of the dish exploded on my taste buds, each bite a symphony of savory and sweet. The tender chicken melted in my mouth, the rice soaked up the rich broth, and the peas added a pop of bright green freshness. I savored every bite, feeling grateful to have been given the opportunity to experience such a delicious meal.

After dinner, Maria handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe, her elegant cursive script filling the page with detailed instructions and loving notes. She told me that she wanted me to have it, to carry on the tradition and share the gift of good food with my own family.

I left Maria's house that evening with a full belly and a heart overflowing with gratitude. The Chicken with Rice and Peas had not only nourished my body, but it had also nourished my soul, connecting me to a long line of women who had poured their love and care into each and every dish they created.

I couldn't wait to try making the recipe on my own, to see if I could capture even a fraction of the magic that Maria had brought to the table that night. I gathered the ingredients, carefully following the instructions she had given me, and soon my own kitchen was filled with the same mouthwatering aroma that had enchanted me at Maria's house.

As I sat down to eat the meal I had prepared, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the flavors that danced on my tongue. In that moment, I felt connected to something greater than myself, a tradition of love and nourishment that had been passed down through the generations.

And as I finished the last bite of Chicken with Rice and Peas, I knew that I would carry on that tradition with pride, sharing the recipe and the stories that went along with it with anyone who would listen. For in the act of cooking and sharing a meal, we are not only feeding our bodies, but we are also feeding our souls, nourishing ourselves and those we love in ways that go far beyond the simple act of eating.