Country Style Chicken and Rice

Country Style Chicken and Rice Recipe from USA - Ingredients and Steps

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

Introduction

Country Style Chicken and Rice is a classic comfort food dish that is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. This recipe features tender chicken pieces cooked in a savory broth with vegetables and served over fluffy rice.

History

This recipe has roots in traditional American home cooking, where simple and wholesome ingredients are used to create delicious and satisfying meals. Country Style Chicken and Rice has been a favorite in households for generations, loved for its comforting flavors and ease of preparation.

Ingredients

1 broiler-fryer (2.5 to 3 lb or 1.36 kg), cut into serving pieces
salt and ground black pepper, to taste
0.25 tsp garlic powder
0.5 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sliced onion rings
2 cups sliced carrots
4 cups chicken broth
0.25 tsp hot pepper sauce
0.5 tsp crushed basil leaves
2 tbsp cornstarch
3 cups cooked rice

How to prepare

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Brown the chicken pieces in oil on all sides. Drain off all the fat.
Add onion, carrots, broth, pepper sauce, and basil. Cover and cook over low heat for 30 minutes or until tender.
Mix a little water into cornstarch and stir it into the chicken mixture. Cook until thickened.
Serve the dish over fluffy rice.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Use different herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika to customize the dish to your taste.
Substitute the chicken with turkey or pork for a different twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken well before browning to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Browning the chicken before cooking helps to seal in the juices and adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the dish.

- Cooking the chicken low and slow in the broth allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

- Thickening the sauce with cornstarch creates a luscious and velvety texture that coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Country Style Chicken and Rice pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include browning the chicken, simmering the ingredients in broth, and thickening the sauce with cornstarch.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of a whole chicken cut into pieces.

- Feel free to swap out the carrots for other vegetables such as peas, green beans, or corn.

Make Ahead Tips

Country Style Chicken and Rice can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Country Style Chicken and Rice in a large serving dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Country Style Chicken and Rice 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 Country Style Chicken and Rice contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Country Style Chicken and Rice contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Country Style Chicken and Rice contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Country Style Chicken and Rice contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Country Style Chicken and Rice is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron due to the inclusion of carrots and chicken broth in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains cornstarch, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals with corn allergies.

Summary

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

Summary

Country Style Chicken and Rice is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. With its tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy rice, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Country Style Chicken and Rice. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the countryside. My grandmother, who was an excellent cook, had invited me to spend the summer with her and learn all of her culinary secrets. I was thrilled at the prospect of spending time in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the delicious aromas of home-cooked meals.

One day, while rummaging through her old recipe box, I came across a faded index card with the words "Country Style Chicken and Rice" written in elegant script. Intrigued, I asked my grandmother about the recipe, and she smiled knowingly. "Ah, that's a family favorite," she said. "I learned how to make it from my own grandmother, who learned it from her mother before her. It's a simple and comforting dish that never fails to bring people together."

Eager to learn the secrets of this beloved recipe, I watched as my grandmother gathered the ingredients and began to prepare the dish. She started by browning pieces of chicken in a hot skillet, creating a mouthwatering aroma that filled the kitchen. Next, she sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers until they were soft and fragrant, adding a generous amount of paprika for flavor.

As the chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce, my grandmother added long-grain white rice to the pot, allowing it to soak up all of the delicious juices. Finally, she sprinkled fresh parsley over the dish before serving it piping hot to our eager family members. The first bite was pure heaven – tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a hint of spice from the paprika.

From that moment on, Country Style Chicken and Rice became a staple in our household. Whenever we had guests over for dinner, my grandmother would proudly serve up this dish, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I, too, began to make it for my own friends and family, passing down the tradition to future generations.

Over the years, I have made some modifications to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I like to use brown rice instead of white for a nuttier flavor and extra nutrition. I also like to add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a touch of acidity and depth.

No matter how many times I make Country Style Chicken and Rice, it always brings back memories of that summer spent with my grandmother, learning the art of cooking from a true master. I can still hear her voice guiding me through each step, her hands deftly moving around the kitchen with grace and precision.

As I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of this comforting dish, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to nourish both body and soul. I am grateful for the legacy of recipes that has been passed down through the generations, and I hope to continue sharing them with my loved ones for many years to come.