Chicken with Fragrant Basil Rice in a Tray
Updated: Oct 26
## Delicious Chicken with Rice in Tomato Sauce and Fragrant Basil
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the delightful combination of chicken and rice, especially when enveloped in a rich, savory tomato sauce and enhanced by the aromatic notes of fresh basil. This beautiful chicken with rice in tomato sauce is not only visually appealing but also a feast for the senses, offering a perfect harmony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
To create this scrumptious dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- **Chicken**: Choose your favorite cuts, whether it's thighs, breasts, or drumsticks. The choice of chicken will affect the tenderness and flavor of the dish.
- **Rice**: Long-grain rice or basmati rice works wonderfully, absorbing the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
- **Tomato Sauce**: You can use canned tomato sauce or make your own from fresh tomatoes for a vibrant taste.
- **Fresh Basil**: This herb adds a fragrant and fresh element to the dish, elevating its overall flavor profile.
- **Onion and Garlic**: These aromatics provide a solid flavor base, enhancing the richness of the tomato sauce.
- **Olive Oil**: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables, olive oil adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- **Seasonings**: Salt, pepper, and perhaps a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat can be included to taste.
Preparation Steps
1. **Sautéing the Aromatics**: Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing them to cook until they are soft and fragrant. This step is essential as it lays the groundwork for the flavor of the dish.
2. **Cooking the Chicken**: Once the aromatics are ready, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Sear them until they are golden brown on all sides. This not only adds color but also locks in the juices, ensuring the chicken remains moist throughout the cooking process.
3. **Creating the Sauce**: After the chicken is browned, pour in the tomato sauce. Stir to combine, and let it simmer for a few minutes. This is the moment where the flavors meld together, creating a rich sauce that will coat the chicken and rice perfectly.
4. **Cooking the Rice**: Add the rice directly into the skillet, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Pour in the appropriate amount of water or broth, as per the rice package instructions. The rice will absorb the flavors from the sauce, becoming a delicious accompaniment to the chicken.
5. **Incorporating Basil**: As the dish simmers, add fresh basil leaves. The heat will release the essential oils in the basil, infusing the dish with its delightful aroma. This step is crucial for achieving that fragrant quality that makes this dish so special.
6. **Simmering**: Cover the skillet and let everything simmer together until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the sauce, usually around 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Once your beautiful chicken with rice in tomato sauce is ready, serve it hot, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Pair it with a simple green salad or crusty bread to round out the meal. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful rice, and aromatic sauce will undoubtedly impress your family and friends.
Conclusion
This simple yet exquisite recipe for chicken with rice in tomato sauce and fragrant basil is a testament to how easy it can be to create a delicious, satisfying meal that looks as good as it tastes. The next time you are looking for a dish that is both comforting and full of flavor, give this recipe a try. You will be amazed at how delicious it is, and it may just become a staple in your culinary repertoire!
Ingredients: simple, preparation time: 10 min., total time: 1 h, 6 servings
6 chicken thighs/ with bone and skin
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic/ finely chopped
1 onion/ finely chopped
1 red bell pepper/ diced or coarsely blended
20 g sun-dried tomato strips in oil/ chopped
1 tsp ground red pepper
350 g rice/ rinsed
400 g tin crushed tomatoes/with juice
430 ml chicken broth /or cube for soup+ water
1 tsp of salt
2-3 tsp dry spice/ Vegeta- for seasoning chicken
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp dried basil
6 g fresh basil leaves/ chopped
1 Tbsp fresh parsley/ finely chopped
extra chopped fresh basil for serving
Preparation:
Begin by preparing all the vegetables as instructed, and ensure the chicken is thoroughly washed and dried.
Season the chicken evenly on all sides with salt, pepper, and dry spices or Vegeta.
Preheat the oven to 200°C while you cook the chicken on the stovetop.
Add oil to a deep, oven-safe steel pan and allow it to heat up.
Place the seasoned chicken in the pan and fry over high heat on both sides until it achieves a golden-brown hue.
Turn each chicken thigh and continue frying until golden. Once done, transfer to a plate.
Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté for 1–2 minutes. Then, add the garlic and fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Incorporate the red peppers and continue frying for 3–5 minutes until the onion turns yellowish.
Mix in the dried tomatoes, rice, and crushed tomatoes. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, then add hot broth and season to taste with salt, pepper, basil, and ground red pepper.
Allow the rice to simmer, softening and absorbing the tomato juice.
Place the chicken thighs on top with the skin facing upward. Bring to a boil and, if necessary, immerse the chicken in the tomato sauce.
Once boiled, turn off the heat, cover with aluminum foil, and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for about 40 minutes until the rice softens and absorbs the liquid, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
If the rice is not fully cooked, add 60-70 ml of water as needed.
After 30 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the dish is crispy and golden.
Garnish with finely chopped parsley and freshly chopped basil before serving.
Buon appetito!
"May your kitchen always be filled with wonderful aromas, your table with good food and your heart with the joy of sharing" ☕❤️🌹
NOTE:
Keep the rest of the food in the refrigerator covered with aluminum foil for up to 2-3 days.
Heat in the microwave or in a pan.
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