Chicken Orleans
Chicken Orleans is a flavorful one-pot dish combining seasoned fried chicken with a savory rice and vegetable medley. Its rich tomato and Worcestershire sauce flavors make it a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings, offering a delightful blend of Southern comfort and bold tastes.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 lb. fryer chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 3 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 16 oz. can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup long grain rice ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups water ⓘ
Instructions
- Roll the chicken pieces in seasoned flour made with 1/4 cup flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper.
- Brown the chicken in vegetable oil in a heavy frypan; then remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, cook chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and chopped green pepper until they begin to brown, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, rice, Worcestershire sauce, remaining salt, and water.
- Arrange the browned chicken over the rice mixture.
- Cover the pan tightly and let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of Worcestershire sauce and spices before coating it in flour. If you're out of long grain rice, you can use basmati or jasmine rice as a substitute. Additionally, feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Orleans with a side of Cheese Potatoes for a comforting meal. A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely to balance the dish's richness. You can also offer some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, enhancing the overall experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the pan to keep the rice moist, and cover to prevent drying out. You can reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Orleans contains roughly 585 calories, with 18g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2058mg per serving (89% 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 chicken breasts instead of a whole fryer chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts or thighs as a substitute. Just adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than whole pieces. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they're cooked through.
What can I do if I don't have canned tomatoes?
If you don't have canned tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes by chopping about 2-3 medium ones. Alternatively, crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce can also work well, but adjust the liquid content accordingly to avoid a watery dish.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the simmering step, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bring it back to a simmer on the stovetop, adding a bit more water if necessary, until heated through.
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).