Simmered Apple Chicken with Rice

Simmered Apple Chicken with Rice Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Simmered Apple Chicken with Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the sweetness of apples with savory chicken and rice. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional chicken and rice dishes. The combination of apples and chicken creates a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and savory. It is a popular dish in many households and is often served during the fall and winter months.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 3 to 4 inch strips
2 tbsp water
1 small onion, chopped
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 cup uncooked rice
1.5 cups apple juice
0.25 cup water
2 cups chopped apple (Fuji, Golden Delicious, or Granny Smith)

How to prepare

In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of water and brown the chicken on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
Add the onion and bouillon cube to the skillet and cook until the onion is transparent. Then, add the rice, apple juice, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and add the chicken back to the skillet. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
Add the apples and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.

Variations

Substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Add dried cranberries or raisins for an extra burst of sweetness.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken before adding it back to the skillet. This will help seal in the juices and prevent the chicken from drying out.

- Use a high-quality apple juice for the best flavor. Look for a juice that is 100% pure and not from concentrate.

- Feel free to add additional seasonings such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or thyme for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Simmered Apple Chicken with Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a glass of white wine or apple cider for a delicious and festive touch.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering

- Browning

- Boiling

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon cube for a vegetarian option.

- Substitute apple cider for apple juice for a more intense apple flavor.

- Use pears or peaches instead of apples for a different twist on the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Simmered Apple Chicken with Rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or chopped nuts for a pop of color and texture. Serve it in a decorative serving dish or on a bed of fluffy white rice for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve it with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300

Carbohydrates

45g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 15g

Fats

- Total Fat: 3g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 30g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 2%

- Vitamin C: 8%

- Calcium: 2%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and balanced meal. It is also low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for those watching their weight.

Summary

Simmered Apple Chicken with Rice is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Simmered Apple Chicken with Rice. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. I had always loved to cook, and I would spend hours in the kitchen with my mother, watching her as she prepared delicious meals for our family.

One day, a new family moved into the village, and they brought with them a wealth of new recipes and cooking techniques. I was intrigued by the exotic flavors and ingredients they used, and I soon found myself spending more and more time at their house, learning everything I could about their culinary traditions.

One evening, as I was helping their matriarch, Mrs. Lee, prepare dinner, she handed me a tattered old cookbook. "This is a recipe that has been in my family for generations," she said, her eyes twinkling with pride. "It's for Simmered Apple Chicken with Rice, and it's a true family favorite."

I eagerly flipped through the pages of the cookbook, taking in the detailed instructions and the tantalizing photographs of the finished dish. I could practically smell the fragrant spices and savory chicken as I read through the ingredients list.

Mrs. Lee patiently guided me through the steps of preparing the dish, showing me how to marinate the chicken in a blend of apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger, and how to sauté the onions and apples until they were golden and caramelized. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Simmered Apple Chicken with Rice, and I was immediately transported to a world of flavor and texture. The tender chicken was infused with the sweet and tangy notes of the apples, while the rice soaked up all the savory juices from the sauce. It was a symphony of tastes and textures, and I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, each time adding my own unique touch to it. Sometimes I like to add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bit of brightness, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a burst of freshness. No matter how I choose to make it, the Simmered Apple Chicken with Rice always brings me back to that moment in Mrs. Lee's kitchen, learning from a master and discovering the magic of a truly delicious meal.

Now, as I pass this recipe down to my own grandchildren, I can only hope that they will feel the same sense of wonder and joy that I felt when I first learned to make it. Cooking is about so much more than just following a set of instructions – it's about tradition, love, and the simple pleasure of sharing a meal with the ones you hold dear. And in that sense, the Simmered Apple Chicken with Rice will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.