Creole Chicken And Rice
A flavorful Creole chicken and rice dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered with green pepper, celery, onion, tomato sauce, and fragrant thyme, perfect for hearty family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place chicken breasts in a 1 1/2-quart baking dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Combine rice, water, tomato sauce, green pepper, celery, onion, and thyme in a bowl and mix well.
- Pour the rice mixture over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in spices or herbs like thyme or paprika before baking. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the rice mixture. You can substitute brown rice for white rice; just adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. This dish is reminiscent of Pilau ('Plow'), a flavorful rice dish that can incorporate various proteins.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Creole Chicken and Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions on top can enhance the flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken In Chablis for a hearty dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creole Chicken And Rice contains roughly 304 calories, with 26g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value), iron (64% of the Daily Value), and protein (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 889mg per serving (39% 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 it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the water to about 1 1/4 cups and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes as an alternative. For a different flavor profile, consider adding salsa or even a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like corn, peas, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into small pieces and mix them in with the rice mixture before pouring it over the chicken.
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).