Rice with vegetables and oven-baked chicken

Rice with vegetables and oven-baked chicken

This recipe for rice with vegetables and oven-baked chicken is perfect for a delicious and comforting dinner, ideal for the whole family. The preparation is simple, and the result is a savory dish full of textures and flavors. Besides being a versatile recipe, rice with vegetables and oven-baked chicken is also an excellent way to incorporate fresh vegetables into your daily diet.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the rice:
- 1 piece of chicken breast (approximately 300 g)
- 125 g rice (preferably packet rice, such as Uncle Ben's)
- 75 g bacon
- 100 g mushrooms (sliced)
- 50 g green peas (canned or fresh)
- 50 g corn (canned or fresh)
- Fresh basil (or dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 100 g grated cheese (for gratin)

For the Bechamel sauce:
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 40 g butter or margarine
- 50 ml milk (heated)
- 20 ml cooking cream
- 40 g flour
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the rice
Start by putting water with a little salt on the stove. When the water starts to boil, add the rice. Follow the instructions on the package to cook it correctly. Usually, the rice cooks for about 10 to 15 minutes. When ready, drain it and set it aside.

Step 2: Preparing the chicken and vegetables
While the rice is boiling, wash and cut the chicken breast into small cubes. Season it with salt and pepper. In a pan, heat a little olive oil and add the chicken cubes. Sauté them until they become golden and are fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Towards the end, add the fresh basil for a special flavor.

In the same pan, add the sliced bacon to brown it, then add the sliced mushrooms, peas, and corn. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Preparing the Bechamel sauce
In another pan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent. Add the flour and mix well, letting it fry for a few minutes. Gradually add the heated milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once the sauce starts to thicken, add the cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Assembling the dish
Take a heat-resistant dish and grease it with a little Bechamel sauce. Add a layer of the rice mixture, followed by a layer of Bechamel sauce and a layer of grated cheese. Continue alternating layers until you finish all the ingredients, and at the end, cover with a generous layer of cheese.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese on top is nicely browned.

Serving
After the dish is ready, let it cool slightly before portioning. Serve it warm, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce for a complete culinary experience. It is a dish that can be enjoyed both for lunch and dinner.

Tips and tricks
1. Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken breast with tofu or other seasonal vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.
2. Spices: Play with spices! Add paprika, cumin, or even curry for an exotic touch.
3. Serving: For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or sesame seeds on top before serving.

Nutritional benefits
This recipe is balanced, offering protein from chicken and bacon, carbohydrates from rice, and a variety of vitamins and minerals from vegetables. It can be an excellent choice for a hearty meal, providing energy and essential nutrients.

Frequently asked questions
Can I use another type of rice?
Of course! You can experiment with brown rice, basmati, or even quinoa for a healthier option.

Can it be prepared in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a few hours before baking it. It is ideal for family meals or when you have guests.

What drinks pair well with it?
This dish pairs excellently with a glass of dry white wine or a cold lemonade.

In conclusion, the recipe for rice with vegetables and oven-baked chicken is not only tasty but also easy to prepare. You can customize it according to your preferences or available ingredients. So, dare to try this recipe and enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 piece of chicken breast, 125 g rice, 75 g bacon, 100 g mushrooms, 50 g green peas, 50 g corn, basil, salt, pepper, cheese. Ingredients for Bechamel sauce: onion, 40 g butter/margarine, 50 ml milk, 20 ml cooking cream, 40 g flour, nutmeg, salt, pepper.

 Tags:  rice vegetables chicken