Stuffed Chicken with Jalapeno Rice

Stuffed Chicken with Jalapeno Rice Recipe from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Servings: 6

Introduction

Stuffed Chicken with Jalapeno Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with spicy jalapeno rice. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a family gathering.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional stuffed chicken recipes. The combination of spicy jalapeno rice and tender chicken creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

1 baking hen (4 to 5 lb or 2.27 kg), thawed
3 tbsp butter or margarine, divided
1.75 cups chopped onion, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 cups uncooked rice
0.25 tsp salt
3 cups chicken broth
2 large green peppers, divided
1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained
0.5 tsp ground oregano
1 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp garlic salt

How to prepare

Rinse the thawed roaster, removing the giblets; set them aside.
Melt the butter over low heat in a 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan. Add 1 cup of onion and garlic; cook over medium heat until the onion is transparent.
Add the rice, salt, and broth. Bring it to a boil and stir once or twice.
Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff it with a fork and set it aside.
Chop 1 large green pepper.
Cook the green pepper, jalapeno peppers, and the remaining 0.75 cup of onions in oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until they are tender-crisp.
Stir in the prepared rice, tomatoes, and oregano.
Spoon the rice mixture loosely into the cavity of the prepared hen. Do not pack it tightly as the stuffing will expand during baking. Enclose the filling with wooden picks that have been soaked in water.
Place the hen breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan that has been coated with cooking spray.
Brush the hen with the remaining 2 tbsp of melted butter.
Sprinkle it with chili powder and garlic salt.
Roast it at 375°F (191°C) for 2 to 2.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 185°F (85°C).

Variations

For a spicier version, add more jalapeno peppers or hot sauce to the rice mixture.
Substitute the green peppers with red or yellow peppers for a different flavor profile.
Add cooked black beans or corn to the rice mixture for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to rinse the roaster thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess giblets.

- Soak the wooden picks in water before using them to enclose the filling in the chicken to prevent them from burning during baking.

- Brushing the chicken with melted butter before roasting helps to keep the meat moist and adds flavor.

- Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Stuffed Chicken with Jalapeno Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the chicken at a lower temperature for a longer period of time helps to keep the meat tender and juicy.

- Fluffing the rice with a fork after cooking helps to separate the grains and prevent them from becoming mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute margarine with butter or olive oil.

- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.

- Replace the green peppers with poblano peppers for a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice mixture and stuff the chicken a few hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to roast.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Stuffed Chicken with Jalapeno Rice with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Stuffed Chicken with Jalapeno Rice with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing cucumber mint cooler.

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 Stuffed Chicken with Jalapeno Rice contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Stuffed Chicken with Jalapeno Rice contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Stuffed Chicken with Jalapeno Rice contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Stuffed Chicken with Jalapeno Rice contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and wheat (rice). It may also contain traces of soy (from cooking spray).

Summary

Stuffed Chicken with Jalapeno Rice 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

Stuffed Chicken with Jalapeno Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner. The combination of tender chicken and spicy jalapeno rice creates a unique and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria's house for a potluck dinner. Maria's husband had just returned from a business trip to Mexico, and he brought back a recipe for stuffed chicken with jalapeno rice that he had picked up from a street vendor.

As soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. The chicken was tender and juicy, with a spicy kick from the jalapenos in the rice. It was a flavor combination unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I asked Maria's husband for the recipe, and he was more than happy to share it with me. He explained that the key to making the dish perfectly was to marinate the chicken in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and cumin before stuffing it with a creamy mixture of cheese and jalapenos.

I was determined to master this recipe, so I set out to gather all the ingredients I needed. I went to the market and carefully selected the freshest chicken breasts, ripest jalapenos, and highest quality cheese I could find. I was ready to embark on my culinary adventure.

I started by marinating the chicken in the lime juice, garlic, and cumin mixture. As the chicken soaked up the flavors, I prepared the jalapeno rice. I sautéed the peppers in a little olive oil until they were soft and fragrant, then added in the cooked rice and cheese. The mixture was creamy and spicy, with just the right amount of heat.

Next, I carefully sliced open each chicken breast and stuffed it with the cheesy jalapeno rice. I secured the openings with toothpicks to keep the filling from spilling out during cooking. I placed the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and drizzled them with a little olive oil before popping them in the oven.

As the chicken cooked, the intoxicating aroma of garlic, cumin, and jalapenos filled my kitchen. I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish. When the timer finally chimed, I pulled the chicken out of the oven and plated it up with a side of fresh salsa and guacamole.

The first bite was pure bliss. The chicken was perfectly cooked, with a golden crust on the outside and a gooey, cheesy filling on the inside. The jalapeno rice was spicy and creamy, a perfect complement to the tender meat. It was a meal fit for a king.

I shared the dish with my family and friends, and they all raved about how delicious it was. I was so proud of myself for mastering the recipe and adding it to my repertoire of culinary skills.

From that day on, stuffed chicken with jalapeno rice became a staple in my cooking rotation. I made it for special occasions, family dinners, and even just for myself when I wanted a little taste of Mexico at home.

I am grateful to Maria's husband for introducing me to this incredible recipe. It has become a cherished part of my culinary journey, a dish that I will pass down to future generations in the hopes that they too will be inspired to explore the world of flavors and textures that food has to offer.