Rita'S Chicken And Rice
Rita's Chicken and Rice features tender seasoned chicken simmered with tomatoes, olives, and ham, served over rice for a flavorful, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 fryer, cut up in eighths ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- soy sauce ⓘ
- seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/4 c. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large tomato, cut in chunks ⓘ
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme
- 1/2 c. white wine ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced olives ⓘ
- 1 c. cooked ham, pork or sausage pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with lemon juice.
- Sprinkle liberally with soy sauce.
- Add seasoned salt to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for 5 to 6 hours or overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 5 hours, but overnight is ideal. You can substitute the white wine with chicken broth if preferred. Consider using brown rice for a healthier option, but remember it may require longer cooking time. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add freshness to the dish just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Rita's Chicken and Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Hot German Potatoes for a hearty dinner. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rita'S Chicken And Rice contains roughly 1067 calories, with 26g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (145% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (67% of the Daily Value), and iron (66% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2565mg per serving (112% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time. You may need to adjust the liquid accordingly, adding extra broth or water to ensure the rice cooks properly.
What can I substitute for the olives in this recipe?
If you don't have olives on hand, consider using capers or even chopped artichoke hearts for a different flavor profile. Both alternatives will add a briny note without overpowering the dish.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of white wine. Include more vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
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).