Golden Chicken and Rice Squares

Golden Chicken and Rice Squares Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Golden Chicken and Rice Squares is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and flavorful vegetables in a creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

History

This recipe has been a favorite in many households for years. It is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and always satisfies. The combination of chicken, rice, and vegetables in a creamy sauce is a winning combination that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

2 tbsp minced onion
0.25 cup butter or margarine
0.33 cup flour
1 tsp salt
0.13 tsp ground black pepper
0.25 tsp poultry seasoning
1.25 cups chicken broth
0.5 cup milk
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
2 cups cooked rice
0.25 cup chopped green bell pepper
0.25 cup chopped pimentos
2 eggs, slightly beaten
0.67 cup buttered cereal crumbs

Mushroom sauce (optional)

1 x 10.75 oz (305 g) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
0.25 cup milk
2 oz (57 g) can sliced mushrooms

How to prepare

Cook the onion in butter until it becomes soft.
Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, broth, and milk. Cook while stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
Combine the chicken, rice, vegetables, and eggs.
Stir in the sauce.
Pour the mixture into a buttered baking dish measuring 10x6x2 inches. Sprinkle the top with crumbs.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 30 minutes, or until the mixture sets.
Cut into squares and serve. Optionally, serve with Mushroom sauce.

Mushroom sauce

Combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sliced mushrooms. Heat the mixture through.

Variations

Add different vegetables such as peas, carrots, or broccoli.
Use different herbs and spices to change the flavor profile.
Substitute the chicken with turkey or ham for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onion until it is soft to bring out its flavor.

- When making the sauce, be sure to stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.

- For a crispy topping, broil the dish for a few minutes after baking.

Serving Suggestions

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

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the onion until it is soft before adding the other ingredients.

- Stir constantly when making the sauce to prevent lumps from forming.

- Bake the dish until it is set and golden brown on top.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use cooked turkey or ham instead of chicken.

- Use different types of rice such as brown rice or wild rice.

- Substitute the green bell pepper with red or yellow bell pepper.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dish ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Golden Chicken and Rice Squares on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Golden Chicken and Rice Squares contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Golden Chicken and Rice Squares contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Golden Chicken and Rice Squares contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Golden Chicken and Rice Squares contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and wheat (flour). It may also contain soy (margarine) and eggs.

Summary

Golden Chicken and Rice Squares is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Golden Chicken and Rice Squares is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and always satisfying. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and flavorful vegetables in a creamy sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Golden Chicken and Rice Squares. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to spend the afternoon rummaging through my old recipe books in search of something new to try. As I flipped through the pages, I came across a faded, yellowed piece of paper tucked between the pages of an old cookbook. Curious, I unfolded it and read the handwritten recipe for Golden Chicken and Rice Squares.

The ingredients were simple – chicken, rice, onions, and a few spices – but the method of preparation was unlike anything I had ever seen before. The chicken was cooked in a fragrant broth, then shredded and mixed with the rice and onions before being pressed into a baking dish and baked until golden and crispy. It sounded delicious, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

I had no idea where the recipe had come from or who had written it, but that didn't matter to me. I was always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes to add to my collection, and this one seemed like it would be a hit with my family. I set to work gathering the ingredients and preparing the dish, my mind racing with thoughts of how it would turn out.

As the chicken simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its rich aroma, I thought back to all the recipes I had collected over the years. Some had been passed down from my own mother and grandmother, while others had been shared with me by friends and neighbors. Each one held a special place in my heart, a memory of a time and a place where I had learned something new and delicious.

I remembered the first time I had made my grandmother's famous apple pie, the joy on her face when she tasted it and declared it just as good as hers. I remembered the time my friend Sarah had taught me how to make her secret recipe for chocolate chip cookies, the way the warm, gooey morsels melted in my mouth and made me smile. And I remembered the look of delight on my husband's face when I had surprised him with a homemade lasagna for our anniversary, a dish I had learned to make from a cooking class I had taken years before.

Each recipe held a story, a memory, a connection to someone or something that had touched my life in some way. And as I stirred the rice and chicken together in the pan, I felt grateful for all the people who had shared their love of cooking with me over the years.

Finally, the dish was ready, golden and crispy on top, with the fragrant aroma of chicken and spices wafting through the air. I set it on the table and called my family to dinner, eager to see their reactions to my latest creation. As they took their first bites, their faces lit up with pleasure, and I knew I had found another winner.

As we sat around the table, enjoying our meal and each other's company, I felt a deep sense of contentment. Cooking had always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and share my love with those around me. And this recipe for Golden Chicken and Rice Squares was just another example of how food could bring people together and create lasting memories.

As I watched my family savoring each bite, I knew that this recipe would become a new favorite in our household, a dish that would be requested time and time again. And as I cleared the plates and washed the dishes, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures of a good meal shared with loved ones.

So, as I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make this delicious dish, I can't help but smile. Cooking has always been a source of joy and comfort for me, a way to connect with my past and create new memories for the future. And I know that as long as I have my trusty recipe books and a kitchen full of ingredients, I will continue to explore new flavors and share them with the ones I love. After all, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing a dish come together perfectly and knowing that it will be enjoyed by those who mean the most to me. And that, my friends, is the true magic of cooking.