Warm Chicken Salad with Red Onions and Rice

Warm Chicken Salad with Red Onions and Rice Recipe - USA

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

Introduction

Warm Chicken Salad with Red Onions and Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This recipe combines tender chicken breast with flavorful red onions, bell peppers, and a tangy balsamic vinegar dressing. Served over a bed of rice and crisp romaine lettuce, this salad is both nutritious and delicious.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional chicken salad recipes. By adding red onions, bell peppers, and a balsamic vinegar dressing, this dish takes on a unique and flavorful taste. The combination of ingredients creates a well-balanced meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 2.25 lb or 1.02 kg)
1 tbsp dried oregano
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
0.5 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium-sized red bell pepper, cut into julienned strips
1 small red onion, sliced
0.33 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp drained capers (optional)
1 tbsp white wine
2 tsp sugar
3 cups cooked rice (cooked without salt and fat)
6 large romaine lettuce leaves

How to prepare

Sprinkle the chicken with oregano, black pepper, and salt.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot; add the chicken. Cook for about 7 minutes on each side or until browned and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken and keep it warm.
Add red pepper and onion to the skillet; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until crisp-tender.
Stir in broth, vinegar, capers, wine, and sugar; cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Combine rice with the broth mixture in a large bowl; toss to coat.
Place 1 lettuce leaf on each plate; arrange the rice mixture over the lettuce. Slice the chicken and fan it over the rice.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness and flavor.
Substitute quinoa or couscous for the rice for a different texture.
Use different herbs and spices to change up the flavor profile of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to season the chicken well with oregano, black pepper, and salt before cooking to ensure maximum flavor.

- Cook the chicken until it is browned and no longer pink in the center to ensure it is cooked through.

- Toss the rice with the broth mixture to evenly coat the grains and infuse them with flavor.

- Slice the chicken thinly and fan it over the rice for an elegant presentation.

Serving Suggestions

This Warm Chicken Salad with Red Onions and Rice can be served as a main dish for lunch or dinner. It pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the chicken until it is browned and no longer pink in the center.

- Toss the rice with the broth mixture to evenly coat the grains and infuse them with flavor.

- Slice the chicken thinly and fan it over the rice for an elegant presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a different flavor and texture.

- Substitute white wine vinegar for the balsamic vinegar for a lighter dressing.

- Use any type of bell pepper or onion you prefer for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat before serving for a quick and easy meal option.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the chicken slices in a fan shape over the rice for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor and visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

This Warm Chicken Salad with Red Onions and Rice pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 350 calories per serving. This makes it a light and satisfying meal option that is perfect for a healthy lifestyle.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 8 grams of fat per serving. The fats in this dish come primarily from the olive oil used for cooking the chicken and the dressing. These healthy fats are important for brain function and overall health.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 35 grams of protein per serving. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an important nutrient for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the red bell peppers and onions. These nutrients are important for immune function and overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten. However, if you have specific allergies, be sure to check the ingredients carefully.

Summary

Overall, this Warm Chicken Salad with Red Onions and Rice is a nutritious and balanced meal option that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is both delicious and good for you.

Summary

Warm Chicken Salad with Red Onions and Rice is a delicious and nutritious meal option that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is both satisfying and good for you. Enjoy this flavorful salad with your favorite side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Warm Chicken Salad with Red Onions and Rice. It was a cool, crisp autumn day and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy little cottage in the countryside. Margaret was known for her incredible cooking skills, and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the delicious aroma of roasting chicken and caramelized onions filled the air. Margaret was bustling around the kitchen, chopping vegetables and stirring pots on the stove. I couldn't help but ask her what she was making, and she smiled mischievously before pulling out a worn, stained recipe card from her collection.

"This, my dear, is a recipe that has been passed down through generations of my family," Margaret said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's a warm chicken salad with red onions and rice, and it's one of my absolute favorites."

I watched in awe as Margaret effortlessly put together the ingredients for the dish, her hands moving with precision and skill. She explained each step of the recipe to me, from marinating the chicken in a fragrant blend of herbs and spices to sautéing the red onions until they were caramelized and sweet.

As the dish came together, I couldn't wait to taste it. Margaret served up generous portions of the warm chicken salad on a bed of fluffy rice, garnished with fresh herbs and a tangy vinaigrette. The flavors were incredible – the tender chicken, the sweet onions, the nutty rice – it was a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on my taste buds.

I savored every bite, marveling at how such simple ingredients could come together to create something so delicious. Margaret beamed with pride as I showered her with compliments, grateful for the opportunity to learn such a wonderful recipe from a dear friend.

After that day, I couldn't get the warm chicken salad with red onions and rice out of my mind. I knew that I had to make it for my own family, to share with them the joy and wonder that I had experienced in Margaret's kitchen.

I set out to recreate the recipe in my own home, carefully following each step and savoring the familiar smells and flavors that filled the air. As I cooked, I thought about all the recipes that had been passed down to me over the years – from my own mother, from friends like Margaret, from cookbooks and magazines. Each recipe was a treasure, a piece of history and tradition that I carried with me in my heart.

When the warm chicken salad with red onions and rice was finally ready, I called my family to the table and served them each a steaming plateful. Their eyes widened in delight as they took their first bites, tasting the love and care that I had poured into the dish.

As we sat around the table, sharing stories and laughter, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking and sharing delicious food with the people I loved. The warm chicken salad with red onions and rice had become more than just a recipe – it was a memory, a connection to the past and a promise for the future.

And so, I continue to make that special dish for my family and friends, passing on the tradition and the love that I have inherited from the wonderful cooks in my life. Each time I make it, I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw the recipe and I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories that last a lifetime.