Oven Fried Chicken With Red Rice
Oven fried chicken paired with vibrant red rice offers a comforting, flavorful dish with savory and smoky notes, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut up the chicken and season with seasoned salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken in a pan, skinned side up.
- Place small pieces of 1/2 stick of butter on each piece of chicken.
- Cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until cooked through.
- Uncover the chicken and sprinkle with paprika.
- Pour off the broth from the chicken and set aside.
- Cook the rice in a pot until tender.
- Saute chopped onions, green pepper, and celery with 1 stick of butter.
- Add the cooked rice to the sauteed vegetables and stir.
- Pour the reserved broth into the rice mixture.
- Add tomato paste and stir until the rice turns red.
- Serve the oven fried chicken alongside the red rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, marinate the chicken in seasoned salt and pepper for a few hours before cooking. For a healthier option, use olive oil instead of butter or substitute the red rice with quinoa or brown rice. You can also try adding spices like garlic powder or onion powder to the chicken for extra flavor. This dish is a great way to utilize leftover chicken, similar to recipes like Barbecue Chicken Bites.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the oven fried chicken alongside the vibrant red rice for a colorful plate. Consider adding a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or biscuits. For a casual gathering, serve it with drinks and appetizers like Finger Drumsticks to create a fun, shareable spread.
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 the microwave until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly, which helps maintain the chicken's crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Fried Chicken With Red Rice contains roughly 941 calories, with 26g protein, 191g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value), protein (52% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1979mg per serving (86% 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Boneless pieces may cook faster, so check for doneness earlier to avoid drying them out. Adjust the butter placement accordingly, ensuring even flavor distribution.
What can I do if I don't have red rice?
If red rice isn't available, you can substitute it with brown rice or even white rice. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different types of rice have varying cooking times. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the sautéed vegetables. You can also marinate the chicken in a spicy seasoning blend or hot sauce before baking. This will elevate the dish, giving it a vibrant kick.
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).