Chicken Hacienda
Chicken Hacienda is a vibrant dish that combines tender chicken with a medley of sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, and a hint of spices. This comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights, bringing together the warmth of home cooking with the brightness of fresh cilantro and olives.
Ingredients
- 1 3 oz. can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 pound tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 3 lb. fryer or chicken breast, cooked and deboned ⓘ
- 1 cup minute rice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced green olives ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain liquid from mushrooms or broth from chicken to measure 1 cup.
- Saute mushrooms, green pepper, and onion in butter for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add liquid and remaining ingredients except olives and rice.
- Bring to a boil, cover, and let simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
- Add rice and olives, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Add fresh cilantro to each serving, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting fresh mushrooms for the canned ones, and feel free to use brown rice instead of minute rice for a nuttier taste. You can also enhance the dish by adding spices like cumin or chili powder. If you're looking for a quicker meal, pre-cooked chicken works well too, similar to the Chicken Enchiladas Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Hacienda hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. This dish pairs well with a side of cornbread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a themed dinner, consider serving it alongside Taquitos for an enticing Mexican-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Hacienda contains roughly 333 calories, with 6g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (149% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2059mg per serving (90% 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 frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen chopped onions and green peppers. Just add them directly to the skillet without thawing, but adjust the cooking time to ensure they are heated through. Frozen vegetables can be a convenient alternative and will still taste delicious.
What can I do if I don't have green olives?
If you don't have green olives, you can substitute with black olives or capers for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, you can omit them entirely if you prefer a milder taste, as the dish will still remain flavorful without them.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth in place of the chicken liquid. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or corn to enhance the dish and maintain its heartiness.
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).