Description
Hearty chicken and rice with mushrooms delights palates with a comforting blend of rustic ingredients. Mediterranean-inspired flavors meld perfectly, offering warmth and satisfaction to those seeking a simple yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ lbs (680g) chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Coat chicken thoroughly with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution.
- Searing Stage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal surface for developing a rich golden-brown exterior on the chicken. Brown each side for 3-4 minutes without fully cooking the interior, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Aromatic Base: Utilize the same pan with retained drippings, adding additional oil if needed. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent, then introduce sliced mushrooms, allowing them to soften and release their natural moisture.
- Rice Integration: Toast uncooked rice within the vegetable mixture for one minute, developing nutty undertones. Pour chicken broth into the pan, incorporating dried thyme and adjusting seasonings to create a harmonious liquid foundation.
- Consolidation and Cooking: Carefully nestle seared chicken pieces into the rice mixture, ensuring partial submersion. Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and chicken to reach perfect doneness.
- Finishing Touches: Optional parmesan cheese can be folded into the dish for enhanced richness. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant, herbaceous element. Serve immediately while the dish remains warm and inviting.
Notes
- Seasoning Strategy: Create an even, generous coating of salt, pepper, and paprika on chicken to maximize flavor penetration and ensure consistent taste in every bite.
- Searing Secrets: Allow chicken to develop a golden-brown crust without overcooking by maintaining medium-high heat and avoiding constant movement during the 3-4 minute browning process.
- Rice Absorption Technique: Gently toast rice before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavors and prevent mushy texture, ensuring each grain remains distinct and perfectly cooked.
- Moisture Management: Keep pan drippings and use them as a flavor base, adding additional oil sparingly to maintain the dish’s rich, deep taste profile without making it greasy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg