Italian Chicken with Rice

Italian Chicken with Rice Recipe - Authentic Italian Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Italian Chicken with Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with flavorful mushrooms, white wine, and aromatic rosemary, all served over a bed of fluffy rice.

History

Italian Chicken with Rice is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a simple and hearty meal that is perfect for feeding a crowd or for a cozy night in. The combination of chicken, mushrooms, and wine creates a rich and savory flavor that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

2.5 to 3 lb (1.36 kg) chicken pieces
salt and ground black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
3 tbsp bacon drippings or vegetable oil
1 x 4 oz (113 g) can sliced mushrooms with liquid
0.5 cup dry white wine
0.75 tsp rosemary leaves
3 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cook the chicken in bacon drippings in a large skillet until brown on all sides. Pour off the fat.
Add the mushrooms with liquid, wine, and rosemary.
Cover and simmer for 45 to 55 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
Serve over fluffy rice.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Use different herbs such as thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Substitute chicken broth for the white wine for a non-alcoholic version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before cooking to ensure that it is flavorful.

- Browning the chicken in bacon drippings adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

- Simmering the chicken in the wine and mushroom liquid helps to infuse the meat with delicious flavors.

- Serve the dish over hot cooked rice to soak up all of the delicious juices.

Serving Suggestions

Italian Chicken with Rice pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It can also be served with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering helps to develop flavor.

- Simmering the chicken in the wine and mushroom liquid helps to tenderize the meat.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of chicken pieces.

- Olive oil can be used instead of vegetable oil for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and mushroom mixture ahead of time and reheat it before serving.

- Cook the rice ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Italian Chicken with Rice in a large serving dish with the rice on the bottom and the chicken pieces on top. - Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Italian Chicken with Rice with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

- A side of garlic bread or bruschetta would also complement the dish nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 450 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Rice: 45g per serving

Fats

- Chicken: 15g per serving

- Vegetable oil: 14g per serving

Proteins

- Chicken: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Mushrooms: Rich in B vitamins, selenium, and copper

Alergens

None listed

Summary

Italian Chicken with Rice is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Italian Chicken with Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With its flavorful chicken, mushrooms, white wine, and aromatic rosemary, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen in the heart of Italy. The aroma of garlic and tomatoes filled the air as she moved gracefully around the stove, preparing a delicious meal for her family.

As I watched her cook, I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe. Maria smiled warmly and began to explain the ingredients and steps involved in making her famous Italian Chicken with Rice dish. I listened intently, taking mental notes and trying to commit every detail to memory.

After enjoying a delightful meal with Maria and her family, I bid her farewell and returned home, eager to try out the recipe for myself. I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen, following Maria's instructions carefully.

The scent of garlic and herbs filled my kitchen as the chicken sizzled in the pan. I added the tomatoes, onions, and spices, letting the flavors meld together to create a rich and savory sauce. The rice cooked perfectly, absorbing all the delicious juices and becoming a perfectly complement to the tender chicken.

When I finally sat down to taste the dish, I was transported back to Maria's kitchen in Italy. The flavors were robust and comforting, a true taste of Italy that brought back memories of my time spent there.

From that day on, Italian Chicken with Rice became a staple in my recipe collection. I shared it with friends and family, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. It became a dish that I was known for, a signature creation that never failed to impress.

Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own twist here and there to make it truly my own. I experimented with different herbs and spices, adjusting the cooking time and temperature to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Each time I made Italian Chicken with Rice, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction. It was a dish that brought joy and comfort to those I shared it with, a reminder of the special bond I had formed with Maria and the culinary traditions of Italy.

As I grew older, I began to pass down the recipe to my own children and grandchildren, ensuring that this delicious dish would continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. I shared the story of how I had learned the recipe from Maria, recounting the warm summer day in her kitchen and the magic of that first taste.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing Italian Chicken with Rice for my family once again, I am grateful for the memories and traditions that this dish represents. It is more than just a recipe - it is a connection to the past, a reminder of the friendships and experiences that have shaped my love for cooking.

And as I take a bite of the tender chicken and flavorful rice, I am filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude. For in this simple dish lies the essence of my culinary journey, a journey that began with a dear friend and a shared love of good food.