Rice-stuffed Chicken

Rice-Stuffed Chicken Recipe from USA with Spinach, Feta, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Rice-stuffed chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breast with a savory rice filling. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a family meal, and is sure to impress your guests with its elegant presentation and rich flavors.

History

The origins of rice-stuffed chicken are not entirely clear, but stuffed chicken dishes have been enjoyed by various cultures for centuries. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful rice has long been a popular choice for cooks looking to create a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 2.25 lb or 1.02 kg), pounded to a thickness of 0.25 inch
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
3 cups cooked rice (cooked without salt or fat)
1 package (10 oz or 283 g) chopped frozen spinach, thawed and well drained
0.5 cup feta cheese
0.5 cup salt-free sun-dried tomatoes, softened and chopped
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
0.5 tsp salt
6 to 10 wooden toothpicks
vegetable cooking spray
2 cups prepared low-salt, low-fat spaghetti sauce, warmed

How to prepare

Sprinkle one side of the breast halves with pepper.
Combine rice, spinach, cheese, tomatoes, basil, and salt in a large bowl.
Spoon 0.5 cup of the rice mixture onto the peppered side of each breast half; fold over and secure the sides with toothpicks.
Wipe off the outside of the chicken with a paper towel.
Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat until hot.
Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it is light brown, turning occasionally.
Place the remaining rice mixture on the bottom of a shallow glass baking dish and place the chicken over the rice.
Cover with foil.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20 to 25 minutes.
Serve the chicken with rice.
Spoon 0.33 cup of sauce over each serving.

Variations

Substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or mozzarella for a different flavor.
Add diced mushrooms or bell peppers to the rice filling for extra texture and flavor.
Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different twist on this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.

- Thaw and drain the spinach well to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

- Use toothpicks to secure the chicken breasts closed and keep the filling in place during cooking.

- Cooking the chicken in a skillet before baking helps to seal in the juices and create a crispy exterior.

- Serve the chicken with a side of warm spaghetti sauce for a delicious finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve rice-stuffed chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Pair with a glass of white wine for a special touch.

Cooking Techniques

Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook more evenly.

- Searing the chicken in a skillet before baking adds flavor and creates a crispy exterior.

- Baking the chicken in a covered dish helps to lock in moisture and prevent it from drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh spinach instead of frozen, if desired.

- Substitute dried basil for fresh basil, using 1 teaspoon for every tablespoon of fresh basil.

- Use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a lighter flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the rice filling and stuff the chicken breasts up to a day in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts on a platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation. Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair rice-stuffed chicken with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and a crisp green salad. For dessert, serve a slice of lemon tart or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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 rice-stuffed chicken contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of rice-stuffed chicken contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of rice-stuffed chicken contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of rice-stuffed chicken contains approximately 35 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Rice-stuffed chicken is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (sun-dried tomatoes). It may also contain gluten if the spaghetti sauce is not gluten-free.

Summary

Rice-stuffed chicken is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a satisfying dinner.

Summary

Rice-stuffed chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a family meal. With a flavorful rice filling and tender chicken breast, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Rice-stuffed Chicken. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My mother had invited a group of friends over for dinner and she decided to make this dish for the first time. I watched with fascination as she carefully prepared the chicken, stuffed it with a delicious mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, and then roasted it to perfection in the oven.

As the enticing aroma of the cooking chicken filled the kitchen, I couldn't wait to taste the final dish. When it was finally time to sit down and eat, I took my first bite of the tender, flavorful chicken and knew that this recipe would become a family favorite for years to come.

After that first taste, I was determined to learn how to make Rice-stuffed Chicken myself. I asked my mother to teach me her recipe, but she had learned it from a friend who had learned it from her grandmother, so she didn't have a written recipe to pass down to me. Undeterred, I set out to learn the recipe on my own.

I started by observing my mother whenever she made the dish, taking note of the ingredients she used and the techniques she employed. I would help her in the kitchen, assisting with the preparation of the rice stuffing and the seasoning of the chicken. Slowly but surely, I began to understand the intricacies of the recipe and how each ingredient worked together to create a harmonious and delicious dish.

As I continued to practice and refine my skills, I also sought out other sources of knowledge on Rice-stuffed Chicken. I asked friends and neighbors for their recipes, attended cooking classes, and scoured cookbooks for different variations of the dish. I experimented with different herbs, spices, and cooking methods, always striving to perfect my own version of the recipe.

Over the years, I have made Rice-stuffed Chicken countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have shared the dish with family and friends, who have all raved about its flavor and tenderness. It has become a staple at our family gatherings and a dish that I am always proud to serve.

But perhaps the most rewarding part of learning to make Rice-stuffed Chicken has been passing down the recipe to the next generation. I have taught my own children how to make the dish, sharing with them the same love and passion for cooking that my mother passed down to me. It brings me great joy to see them carry on the tradition of making this delicious and comforting meal, and I know that it will continue to be a cherished part of our family for generations to come.

In the end, learning to make Rice-stuffed Chicken has been a journey of discovery, creativity, and tradition. It has taught me the importance of patience, perseverance, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we love. And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming plate of Rice-stuffed Chicken, I am grateful for the memories, the lessons, and the delicious flavors that this recipe has brought into my life.