Chicken And Rice - Veggie Main Dish
A hearty chicken and vegetable rice dish featuring tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and trim fat and skin off chicken parts.
- Saute the chicken parts in a heavy 4-quart pot or deep frying pan until browned.
- Add finely chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Stir in celery pieces and cook for a few minutes.
- Add rice, chicken stock, water, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Add frozen peas and mixed vegetables during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
- Continue cooking until rice is tender and vegetables are heated through.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in herbs or citrus before cooking. You can substitute brown rice for long grain rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you want to add more vegetables, consider incorporating bell peppers or spinach. For a unique twist, try adding spices like paprika or cumin, which pair well with this chicken recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken and rice dish with a light salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Cabbage Noodle Soup for a comforting dinner. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out, and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to a month; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Rice - Veggie Main Dish contains roughly 499 calories, with 16g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (98% of the Daily Value), iron (58% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2325mg per serving (101% 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 boneless chicken instead of pieces?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used; just adjust the cooking time since it cooks faster than bone-in pieces. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. This substitution will make the dish easier to serve and eat, especially for kids.
What can I substitute for chicken stock?
If you don't have chicken stock, vegetable broth is a great alternative, or you can use water with a bouillon cube. This will still provide ample flavor without the need for meat stock, making it a versatile option for various dietary preferences.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the onions. You could also serve with hot sauce on the side or mix in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick, tailoring the spice level to your preference.
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).