Basque Chicken And Rice
A vibrant, savory dish featuring tender chicken, ham, peppers, and rice, flavored with garlic, olives, and parsley, perfect for a hearty and colorful meal.
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 6 oz. ham, cut in 1/2-inch dice ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 red or yellow pepper, cored, seeded and cubed ⓘ
- 1 large garlic clove, chopped finely
- 1 c. long-grain white rice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 c. white wine ⓘ
- 1/2 c. frozen green peas, thawed ⓘ
- 1/4 c. pitted and sliced black olives ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 to 3 dashes Tabasco ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken breasts with black pepper and ground red pepper, then sauté in 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides, about 8 minutes.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Add ham, chopped onion, and cubed red or yellow pepper to the skillet; sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until ham begins to brown and vegetables soften.
- Add finely chopped garlic and rice; cook for 1 minute until the rice is coated with oil and begins to turn translucent.
- Stir in chicken broth and white wine; return chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in thawed green peas and sliced black olives.
- Cover and cook for 2 minutes until peas are heated through.
- Stir in chopped parsley and Tabasco sauce.
- Taste and add salt as needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a smoky taste, consider adding a small amount of smoked paprika. If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth can be a good substitute. Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring a fluffier texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Basque Chicken and Rice pairs beautifully with a fresh Garden Stir-Fry Salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a light cucumber salad. A glass of white wine complements the dish perfectly, enhancing the flavors of the wine used in the recipe.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Cover to steam and heat through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basque Chicken And Rice contains roughly 525 calories, with 18g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (199% of the Daily Value), iron (103% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2556mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be aware that it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the chicken broth to 2 cups and increase the simmering time to about 30-40 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
What can I substitute for black olives?
If you don't have black olives, green olives or capers can be used as a substitute. Both will add a different flavor profile to the dish, but they will still provide that salty and briny taste that complements the other ingredients.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of ground red pepper or add fresh chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the sautéed vegetables. This will enhance the heat level, making the dish more vibrant and exciting for those who enjoy spicy flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).