Fanny's Chicken and Rice

Fanny's Chicken and Rice Recipe - A Delicious and Healthy Meal

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Fanny's Chicken and Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with aromatic spices and hearty brown rice. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion meal.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Caribbean flavors and cooking techniques. It combines the rich and savory flavors of curry powder, thyme, and garlic with the sweetness of dried currants and the crunch of slivered almonds. Fanny's Chicken and Rice is a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

0.75 cup of uncooked brown rice
6 skinless chicken breasts, or 6 skinless chicken thighs and drumsticks (about 2 lb or 907 g)
1 cup of chopped onion
0.75 cup of chopped green bell pepper
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 tbsp of canola or corn oil
2 tsp of curry powder
1.5 tsp of fresh thyme, or 0.5 tsp of dried thyme
0.75 tsp of salt
1 x 14-15 oz (425 g) can of diced tomatoes, with juice
1 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp of dried currants
2 tbsp of slivered almonds

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
Prepare a shallow baking pan with non-stick pan spray.
Add 3 cups of boiling water to a medium saucepan and add the rice; cover and simmer for 50 to 60 minutes.
While the rice is cooking, place the chicken in the prepared pan.
Bake the chicken, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, sauté the onion, pepper, and garlic in the oil in a large skillet for 5 minutes, or until tender.
Add the curry powder, thyme, and salt to the skillet and blend thoroughly.
Add the tomatoes with their liquid and the parsley to the skillet; heat until simmering.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with the currants.
Cover the chicken and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 25 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, toast the almonds in a small skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes, or until lightly browned and fragrant.
To serve, arrange the chicken parts next to 0.5 cup of rice on individual plates.
Divide the sauce over the rice.
Sprinkle the almonds over the chicken.

Variations

Substitute chicken breasts for the thighs and drumsticks for a leaner option.
Add diced pineapple or mango for a tropical twist.
Use quinoa or couscous instead of brown rice for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken before baking to lock in the juices and create a crispy skin.

- Toasting the almonds adds a delicious nutty flavor to the dish.

- Be sure to simmer the rice covered to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

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

Cooking Techniques

Baking the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and retains its moisture.

- Sautéing the onions, peppers, and garlic before adding the spices helps to develop their flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of canola or corn oil for a different flavor profile.

- Swap out the dried currants for raisins or chopped apricots.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. Simply assemble the dish and bake it when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Fanny's Chicken and Rice with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Fanny's Chicken and Rice with a crisp white wine or a fruity sangria for a delicious and refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fanny's Chicken and Rice contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fanny's Chicken and Rice contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fanny's Chicken and Rice contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Fanny's Chicken and Rice contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Fanny's Chicken and Rice is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

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

Summary

Fanny's Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with aromatic spices and hearty brown rice. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures of this delicious dish!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to make. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Fanny at her quaint little cottage in the countryside. Fanny was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I was always eager to learn new recipes from her.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma. Fanny was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of bubbling chicken and rice. The sight and smell of the dish immediately made my mouth water.

"What are you making, Fanny?" I asked eagerly.

Fanny smiled and replied, "Oh, just a simple chicken and rice dish. It's a family recipe passed down through generations. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I nodded enthusiastically, and Fanny began to walk me through the steps of the recipe. She showed me how to season the chicken with a blend of herbs and spices, and how to sauté it until it was golden brown and crispy. Then, she added in the rice, broth, and vegetables, letting everything simmer together until it was perfectly cooked.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal together, I couldn't help but marvel at how delicious it was. The chicken was tender and flavorful, the rice was fluffy and aromatic, and the vegetables added a wonderful crunch. It was a dish that was simple yet comforting, and I knew I had to learn how to make it for myself.

Over the next few weeks, I practiced making Fanny's chicken and rice recipe in my own kitchen. I made it for my family, my friends, and anyone else who would taste-test for me. Each time I made the dish, I tweaked the seasonings, adjusted the cooking time, and experimented with different vegetables to make it my own.

As I perfected the recipe, I began to think about the origins of Fanny's chicken and rice. I asked her about where she had learned to make it, and she told me a story that was both heartwarming and surprising.

Fanny explained that the recipe had been passed down to her from her grandmother, who had learned it from a close friend many years ago. The friend, whose name was also Fanny, had grown up in a small village in Italy and had brought the recipe with her when she immigrated to America.

According to Fanny, the dish was a staple in her family's kitchen, and it was a favorite among both family and friends. She had shared the recipe with Fanny's grandmother, who had then passed it on to Fanny herself.

As I listened to the story, I felt a deep connection to the recipe. It was more than just a dish to me now; it was a piece of history, a link to the past, and a way to honor the traditions of those who had come before me.

With each batch of Fanny's chicken and rice that I made, I felt a sense of pride and gratitude. I was grateful to have learned the recipe from such a dear friend, and I was proud to carry on the tradition of cooking and sharing this delicious meal with others.

As the years passed, I continued to make Fanny's chicken and rice for special occasions, family gatherings, and quiet nights at home. It became a signature dish of mine, one that was loved by all who tasted it.

And as I shared the recipe with others, passing it on to a new generation of cooks, I knew that Fanny's chicken and rice would always hold a special place in my heart. It was more than just a recipe; it was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to celebrate the love and friendship that binds us all.