Fast Chicken Fiesta

Fast Chicken Fiesta Recipe - Quick & Flavorful Family Meal

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Fast Chicken Fiesta is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a savory rice and vegetable mixture. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

Fast Chicken Fiesta is a popular dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. This recipe has its roots in traditional Southern cooking, with its combination of chicken, rice, and vegetables creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

2.5 to 3 lb (1.36 kg) chicken pieces
salt, ground black pepper, and paprika
2 tbsp butter or margarine
0.25 lb (113 g) bulk pork sausage
0.75 cup sliced celery
0.75 cup sliced green onions
3 cups cooked rice
1 can (11 oz or 312 g) whole kernel corn with peppers, undrained
2 tsp lemon juice

How to prepare

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Brown the chicken in butter using a large skillet. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Cook the sausage, celery, and onions in the same skillet until the vegetables are tender.
Add the rice, corn, and lemon juice to the skillet; mix well.
Transfer the rice mixture to a buttered shallow baking dish. Place the chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.
Cover the baking dish and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 to 40 minutes or until the chicken is tender.

Variations

Substitute the pork sausage with ground beef or turkey for a different flavor.
Add diced tomatoes or black beans for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender to ensure they are fully cooked and add a nice texture to the dish.

- Covering the baking dish while cooking will help to keep the chicken moist and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Fast Chicken Fiesta can be served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and nutritious meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before baking helps to seal in the juices and create a crispy exterior.

- Cooking the vegetables until tender ensures they are fully cooked and add a nice texture to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken pieces for a different taste and texture.

- Substitute the margarine with butter or olive oil for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Fast Chicken Fiesta can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Fast Chicken Fiesta on a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a beautiful and colorful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Fast Chicken Fiesta pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer. Serve with a side of crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Fast Chicken Fiesta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 350 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 15 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Fast Chicken Fiesta is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (margarine) and pork sausage, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Fast Chicken Fiesta is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Fast Chicken Fiesta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With its flavorful combination of chicken, rice, and vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Fast Chicken Fiesta. I remember it like it was yesterday, even though it was many years ago. I was visiting my dear friend Maria, who lived in a small village in Mexico. Maria was known for her delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine, and I always looked forward to her cooking whenever I visited.

One hot summer day, Maria invited me into her kitchen to help her prepare dinner. She was busy chopping tomatoes, onions, and peppers, and the aroma of garlic and spices filled the air. As we worked together, she began to tell me about a recipe she had learned from her grandmother - Fast Chicken Fiesta. She explained that it was a simple yet flavorful dish that was perfect for a quick and easy meal.

As we cooked, Maria shared with me the secrets of the recipe. She told me that the key to making Fast Chicken Fiesta is to use fresh ingredients and to season the chicken well. She also emphasized the importance of cooking the chicken just right, so that it remains tender and juicy.

After we finished cooking, Maria served up the dish, and I took my first bite of Fast Chicken Fiesta. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the tender chicken, the spicy peppers, the tangy tomatoes - it was a fiesta of flavors indeed. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

When I returned home, I couldn't stop thinking about Fast Chicken Fiesta. I was determined to recreate the dish and share it with my family and friends. I started by gathering all the ingredients - chicken, tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic, and spices. I followed Maria's instructions carefully, making sure to season the chicken well and cook it just right.

As the dish came together, the aroma that filled my kitchen reminded me of my time with Maria in her small village in Mexico. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through the recipe, encouraging me to trust my instincts and taste as I cooked. When the dish was finally ready, I plated it up and took a bite. The flavors were just as I remembered - bold, vibrant, and full of life.

I couldn't wait to share Fast Chicken Fiesta with my loved ones. I invited my family over for dinner and served them the dish. They all raved about how delicious it was, and I beamed with pride as they asked for seconds. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

Over the years, I have continued to make Fast Chicken Fiesta for my family and friends. I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and ingredients to make it my own. But the heart of the dish remains the same - tender chicken, spicy peppers, tangy tomatoes, and a fiesta of flavors that never fails to impress.

As I sit here reminiscing about my journey with Fast Chicken Fiesta, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories and experiences that have led me to this delicious dish. From my time with Maria in her small village in Mexico to the joy of sharing this recipe with my loved ones, Fast Chicken Fiesta has become more than just a meal - it is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a simple yet flavorful dish to cook, give Fast Chicken Fiesta a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be sharing this recipe with your own loved ones, creating new memories and traditions along the way. Happy cooking!