Garlic Chicken, Lentils, and Rice Recipe
Overview:
If you’re a fan of bold flavors like garlic and onions, this recipe is tailor-made for you. Passed down from generation to generation, this dish holds a special place in our family’s culinary repertoire. Developed by my father and perfected with the guidance of my Aunt Martha, it’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, hearty lentils, and aromatic rice, all infused with the rich flavors of garlic and onions. This one-dish meal is perfect for lunch or a hearty snack, promising a satisfying meal in under 60 minutes. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
2 | Chicken breasts |
1/4 – 1/2 | Cup olive oil |
3 | Garlic cloves |
1/2 | Onion |
2 – 3 | Cups rice |
14 – 28 | Ounces canned chicken broth |
2 | Tablespoons butter |
2 | Dollops sour cream (for serving) |
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 792.1
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10.7g
- Cholesterol: 77.9mg
- Sodium: 757.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 100.2g
- Fiber: 9.4g
- Sugar: 2.8g
- Protein: 35.3g
Instructions:
-
Prepare Ingredients:
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients listed above.
-
Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onions to the skillet and cook until they turn tender and translucent.
- Once the onions are soft, add minced garlic cloves to the skillet and continue cooking until the garlic turns golden brown, infusing the oil with its rich flavor.
-
Add Rice:
- Stir in the rice, ensuring that it’s evenly coated with the fragrant onion and garlic mixture. Allow the rice to toast slightly for enhanced flavor.
-
Cook Rice:
- Pour in the canned chicken broth, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let the rice cook, absorbing the flavors of the broth and aromatics.
-
Incorporate Chicken and Lentils:
- Once the rice is almost cooked, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. You can slice them into bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking.
- Also, add the lentils to the skillet, stirring gently to incorporate them into the rice and chicken mixture.
-
Final Touches:
- Allow the chicken to cook fully, ensuring it’s tender and cooked through.
- Once everything is cooked to perfection and the flavors have melded beautifully, it’s time to serve.
- Plate the dish and add a generous dollop of sour cream on top, if desired, for a creamy finish.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Your flavorful Garlic Chicken, Lentils, and Rice dish is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot, savoring each bite packed with the delightful combination of garlic-infused rice, tender chicken, and hearty lentils.
Recipe Notes:
- Customize the spice level of this dish by adjusting the amount of garlic and adding chili flakes or fresh chili peppers for extra heat.
- For added freshness, garnish the dish with chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit your serving needs. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving for a quick and delicious meal option.
Enjoy the aromatic flavors and hearty goodness of this Garlic Chicken, Lentils, and Rice dish, a true testament to the joys of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones! 🍲✨