Serbian rice and chicken breast

Serbian rice with chicken breast - A delicious and comforting recipe

Today I propose a delicious recipe for Serbian rice with chicken breast, a savory combination that will delight your taste buds. This recipe is ideal for a family dinner or to impress friends at a special meal. Serbian rice, although simple in its ingredients, is full of flavor thanks to fresh vegetables and spices. Meanwhile, the chicken breast cooked with mozzarella and tomatoes adds an extra layer of taste and creaminess.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the Serbian rice:
- 1 medium onion
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow)
- 1-2 cloves of garlic
- 200 g mushrooms (optional)
- 4-5 tablespoons of rice (preferably long grain)
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1-2 tablespoons of oil (olive oil or vegetable oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons of Delikat (or similar seasoning)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill and/or parsley (for garnish)

For the chicken breast:
- 500 g chicken breast
- Pepper and salt, to taste
- 50 g butter or margarine
- 2 medium tomatoes (sliced)
- 100 g mozzarella (sliced)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by cleaning and washing all the vegetables. Chop the onion into small cubes, slice the bell pepper into strips, and cut the mushrooms into slices. Garlic can be minced or left whole, depending on your preference. If you choose to add carrots and peas, peel the carrots and cut them into small cubes, and peas can be used fresh or frozen.

Step 2: Cooking the vegetables
In a large skillet, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the bell pepper and mushrooms. Continue cooking the vegetables for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step will bring the flavors to life and create a delicious base for the rice.

Step 3: Cooking the rice
Add the rice to the skillet over the vegetables and mix well, allowing it to sauté lightly for 1-2 minutes. This process will help the rice absorb the flavors of the vegetables. Cover everything with water (about 500 ml) and add Delikat, tomato paste, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it simmer on low heat, covering the skillet with a lid. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Everything should simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the rice is cooked but still slightly firm.

Step 4: Preparing the chicken breast
While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken breast. Cut the breast into thin slices and season with salt and pepper. In another skillet, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat. Add the chicken breast slices and fry for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked.

Step 5: Finishing the chicken dish
Once the chicken is cooked, arrange the tomato slices on top of each chicken slice, followed by the mozzarella slices. Cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serving
After the mozzarella has melted, remove the chicken from the heat. Serve the portions of Serbian rice on plates, adding pieces of chicken with tomatoes and mozzarella on top. Sprinkle fresh dill or parsley for an extra touch of freshness. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavors.

Practical tips:
- If you like a stronger flavor, you can add extra spices such as paprika or chili.
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken breast with tofu or seitan.
- If you don't have mozzarella, you can use feta or cheddar cheese, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein from the chicken breast and has a considerable fiber content from the vegetables. The rice is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy.

Calories:
A serving of Serbian rice with chicken breast has approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the exact amount of oil and butter used.

Possible variations:
- Instead of white rice, you can use brown rice for a higher nutrient intake.
- Add spices like cumin or coriander for a more exotic flavor.
- Give your recipe an Italian twist by adding fresh basil.

What other recipes or drinks can be paired:
This recipe pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or freshly made lemonade. You can also serve a green salad with lemon and olive oil dressing alongside, which will beautifully complement the main dish.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but the cooking time will be considerably extended, so you will need to check regularly.
2. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add some chopped hot pepper or chili flakes during cooking.
3. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, the rice and chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat very well.

I hope this recipe for Serbian rice with chicken breast brings you not only a delicious meal but also wonderful moments with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Onion, bell pepper, garlic (1-2 cloves), mushrooms, rice (4-5 tablespoons), a spoonful of broth, seasoning, oil, salt, pepper, dill, parsley. Carrots and peas can also be added; I made it without them and it turned out very tasty. For the chicken, we need chicken breast, of course, sliced, pepper, salt, butter (or margarine), tomatoes (sliced round), mozzarella (also sliced).