Chicken Over Rice Recipe: A Comforting, Flavorful Meal

Introduction

If you’re looking for a satisfying, comforting, and hearty meal, Chicken Over Rice is the perfect option. This dish features tender, flavorful chicken served on a bed of perfectly cooked rice, making it an easy go-to meal for busy weekdays or special gatherings. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the rich flavors and seasonings creates a dish that’s both filling and comforting.

Whether you prefer a classic version or want to spice things up with your favorite seasonings, this recipe is highly adaptable. It can be made with chicken breasts, thighs, or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. The rice can also be flavored with various spices or broths to add even more depth to the dish. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Chicken Over Rice!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chicken Over Rice:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or use rotisserie chicken)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color and flavor)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

For the Rice:

• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
• 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• 1 bay leaf (optional, for extra flavor)

For Optional Sauce (Optional):

• 1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• 2 tablespoons tahini (for extra creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

1. Rinse the rice: Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This will help remove excess starch and make the rice fluffy.
2. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the garlic powder and onion powder, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the rice: Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. This will bring out the nutty flavors of the rice.
4. Add liquid: Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and add the bay leaf if using. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer the rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes (or according to the rice package instructions) until the rice is cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Prepare the chicken: While the rice is cooking, season the chicken breasts or thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
3. Rest the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it. This will help retain the juices and keep the chicken tender.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

1. Plate the rice: Scoop a generous portion of the cooked rice onto each plate, forming a base for the chicken.
2. Add the chicken: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and place it on top of the rice.
3. Garnish and serve: Optionally, drizzle with a sauce made from yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic for extra creaminess. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Step 4: Optional Sauce (If Using)

1. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Serve: Drizzle the sauce over the chicken and rice before serving.

Tips and Tricks

• Customize the rice: You can add more flavor to the rice by cooking it in chicken broth instead of water, or you can add some sautéed onions and garlic for an extra burst of flavor.
• Use boneless skinless chicken thighs: If you prefer juicier chicken, opt for boneless skinless thighs instead of breasts. They tend to be more tender and flavorful.
• Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving.
• Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, this recipe is the perfect way to use it up. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the rice for a quick and easy meal.
• Add vegetables: You can incorporate sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach into the rice for added nutrition and color.

Why Chicken Over Rice?

Chicken Over Rice is a versatile, comforting meal that is quick and easy to make. The combination of seasoned chicken and flavorful rice makes for a filling and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or weekend dinners. This dish is a great base that can be easily customized to suit your tastes—whether you want it spicier, more tangy, or with extra veggies.

The beauty of this meal lies in its simplicity. You can use everyday pantry staples like rice and chicken while elevating the flavor with a few key seasonings. Additionally, it’s a balanced dish that provides lean protein from the chicken and fiber from the rice, making it a wholesome meal for any occasion.

Variations of Chicken Over Rice

1. Chicken and Rice with Curry: For a spicier version, add curry powder, garam masala, or turmeric to the rice and chicken for a deliciously fragrant curry-inspired meal.
2. Chicken with Rice Pilaf: Replace plain rice with a rice pilaf made with sautéed onions, garlic, and broth, and add some toasted nuts or dried fruits like raisins for extra flavor and texture.
3. Grilled Chicken Over Rice: Instead of cooking the chicken in a skillet, try grilling it for a smoky flavor. Top the rice with grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a Mediterranean twist.
4. Lemon Garlic Chicken Over Rice: Add lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice to both the rice and chicken marinade for a fresh, citrusy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rice.

Health Benefits of Chicken Over Rice

This dish offers several nutritional benefits, particularly when using lean chicken breasts and adding vegetables:

• High in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues and maintaining muscle mass.
• Rich in Fiber: Rice, especially brown rice, provides a good amount of fiber, which helps with digestion and promotes satiety, helping you feel full longer.
• Low in Calories: This dish is naturally low in calories when prepared with minimal added fats, making it a great option for those looking for a balanced, healthy meal.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Chicken provides essential vitamins like B12, niacin, and phosphorus, while rice provides small amounts of B vitamins and minerals like magnesium and iron.

By adjusting the recipe to include whole grains like brown rice, you can increase the fiber content and enhance the meal’s nutritional value.

Conclusion

Chicken Over Rice is a wholesome, customizable, and incredibly satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, and with the right seasoning and a few optional touches, it can be tailored to suit your flavor preferences.

The tender chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, and optional creamy sauce or tangy toppings make for a well-rounded dish that is both comforting and nutritious. Try it today and discover why Chicken Over Rice is a timeless classic in kitchens around the world!