South American Chicken And Rice
A hearty South American chicken and rice dish bursting with savory flavors, olives, and vegetables, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan.
- Add rice, chopped onion, chopped celery, and chopped garlic; cook while stirring until the rice is lightly toasted and the vegetables are tender.
- Add chicken broth, cooked diced chicken, sliced green stuffed olives, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture into a covered roaster and cook in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and top with cooked peas.
- Serve hot, accompanied by salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you're out of olives, capers can be a great substitute. For added texture, feel free to incorporate mushrooms, which complement the dish well. Toasting the rice until golden enhances its nuttiness, making this South American Chicken and Rice even more delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the South American Chicken and Rice hot, topped with the cooked peas for a pop of color. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or crusty bread to soak up the juices. For a complete meal, consider serving with roasted vegetables or a side of coleslaw for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water, cover, and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This ensures the rice remains moist and flavorful.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South American Chicken And Rice contains roughly 572 calories, with 17g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 substitute brown rice; however, keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. You may need to increase the liquid and adjust the cooking time to ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender.
What can I add for extra protein?
You can add beans or chickpeas to boost the protein content. If you're a fan of chicken recipes, adding shredded rotisserie chicken is a quick and easy option, providing additional flavor without extra cooking time.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or extra mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the dish's flavor profile while making it completely vegetarian-friendly.
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).