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This Creamy Chicken Rice with Bell Peppers recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of tender chicken legs, aromatic rice, sweet bell peppers, and a rich cream-based sauce creates a comforting meal that is both nutritious and delicious. The added spices of paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper give the dish a balanced depth of flavor, while the chicken broth enhances the richness of the rice. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for those looking for a fulfilling, protein-packed meal that can be prepared with simple ingredients.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Dish:
3 onions (finely chopped)
500 g (18 oz) rice
3 red bell peppers (sliced)
12 chicken legs
10 g (0.4 oz) salt (to taste)
5 g (0.2 oz) black pepper (to taste)
5 g (0.2 oz) garlic powder
5 g (0.2 oz) sweet paprika
300 ml (10 fl oz) cooking cream
400 ml (14 fl oz) chicken broth
50 g (1.8 oz) green onion (finely chopped, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken legs: Start by patting the chicken legs dry with a paper towel. Season them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika on both sides. Rub the seasoning into the chicken to ensure even flavor.
Sear the chicken: In a large pan or skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chicken legs to the hot pan and sear them until they are golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Sauté the onions: In the same pan, add the finely chopped onions and cook them over medium heat until they are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Add the bell peppers: Add the sliced red bell peppers to the pan with the onions. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the bell peppers to soften and release their sweetness.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Toast the rice: After the onions and bell peppers have softened, add the rice to the pan. Stir the rice for 2-3 minutes to lightly toast it, which helps enhance the flavor and prevent the rice from becoming mushy during cooking.
Add the chicken broth: Pour 400 ml (14 fl oz) chicken broth into the pan and stir to combine with the rice and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Add the cream: Stir in the 300 ml (10 fl oz) cooking cream to the pan. The cream will give the dish a rich and luscious texture. Mix everything together well to ensure the cream is evenly distributed.
Return the chicken: Carefully place the seared chicken legs back into the pan, nestling them on top of the rice and vegetables. Ensure that the chicken is partially submerged in the liquid to allow it to cook evenly.
Simmer and cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the dish simmer for 20-25 minutes. This will allow the chicken to cook through and the rice to absorb the flavors of the broth and cream.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Check for doneness: After 25 minutes, check the chicken and rice for doneness. The chicken should be fully cooked with an internal temperature of at least 75°C (165°F), and the rice should be tender.
Add green onions: Once the dish is ready, sprinkle the finely chopped green onions over the top for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
Serve: Serve the creamy chicken rice hot, making sure to spoon the flavorful sauce over each serving. Enjoy this hearty meal with a side salad or crusty bread.
Cooking Tips
Choose the right rice: Long-grain rice works best for this recipe as it absorbs the broth and cream without becoming too sticky. If using a different type of rice, adjust the liquid accordingly.
Customize the vegetables: While this recipe uses red bell peppers, you can add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Browning the chicken: Don’t skip the step of browning the chicken before adding it to the rice. This adds depth of flavor and ensures the chicken skin remains crispy while cooking in the liquid.
Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of broth or cook the dish uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to allow the liquid to evaporate slightly.
Spice it up: For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for the chicken.
Storage
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the dish even more delicious the next day.
Freezing: If you want to freeze this dish, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 550 kcal
Protein: 32g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Sodium: 850mg
Calcium: 120mg
Iron: 3.5mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
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