Chicken And Rice(Light)
A light and flavorful chicken and rice dish featuring mushrooms, vegetables, and a savory broth, perfect for a comforting yet wholesome meal for family or friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion and mushrooms in margarine.
- Add two cups chicken broth from cooked chicken and bring to a boil.
- Add converted rice and cook, covered, for 15 minutes.
- Chop the celery and green pepper and add to rice along with cooked chicken, milk, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, covered.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dish, use skinless chicken breasts and opt for low-fat margarine. If you don't have converted rice, long-grain white rice can be substituted, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Fresh mushrooms add a great flavor, but canned mushrooms work if you're short on time. Consider adding some garlic for extra taste or using leftover chicken from recipes like Simple And Delicious Chicken Divan.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside roasted potatoes or a side of Teresa'S Chicken Salad for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice mixture in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, or microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Rice(Light) contains roughly 900 calories, with 16g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1990mg per serving (87% 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 uncooked chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use uncooked chicken, but you'll need to adjust the cooking process. Sauté the chicken pieces until cooked through before adding the onions and mushrooms, then proceed with the recipe as directed. This will ensure the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the onions and mushrooms. Alternatively, serve with hot sauce on the side or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the finished dish for an extra kick.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also enhance the flavor by adding additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach. This makes a hearty and satisfying vegetarian meal.
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).