Lebanese Rice
Lebanese Rice is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken, fragrant rice, and hearty beans, infused with subtle onion flavors. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers a wholesome taste of Middle Eastern cuisine with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil chicken breasts until tender with some chopped onion.
- Remove chicken from the broth, debone, and set aside.
- Strain the broth and keep it boiling.
- Soak the rice in enough water to cover while deboning the chicken.
- Add beans to the strained broth if desired, and cook until beans are tender.
- Combine the cooked rice with the broth and chicken, then simmer until rice is fully cooked and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more aromatic dish, consider sautéing the onion until golden before boiling the chicken to enhance the flavor. You can substitute Uncle Ben's rice with jasmine or basmati rice for a different texture. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or allspice can elevate the dish further. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with additional beans or lentils while using vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Lebanese Rice with a side of fresh tabbouleh or a simple cucumber and tomato salad for added freshness. A dollop of yogurt on top can balance the flavors beautifully. It pairs well with grilled meats or can stand alone as a hearty vegetarian dish. For a more filling option, consider adding a side of Easy Brunswick Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lebanese Rice contains roughly 454 calories, with 21g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 Uncle Ben's rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook. It also requires more liquid, so be sure to add extra broth or water. Keep in mind that the texture will be chewier compared to white rice.
What can I substitute for chicken if I want a vegetarian option?
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with chickpeas or lentils for added protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for cooking the rice and beans. This will help maintain the flavor profile while keeping the dish meat-free.
How do I know when the rice is fully cooked?
The rice is fully cooked when it has absorbed all the liquid and is tender yet slightly firm to the bite. You can taste a small spoonful to check for doneness. If the rice seems undercooked, add a little more broth or water and simmer for a few more minutes.
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).