Sweet & Tangy Chicken with Rice and California Vegetables Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Sweet & Tangy Chicken paired with fluffy white rice and vibrant California vegetables for a wholesome weeknight dinner that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This recipe, with its enticing blend of brown sugar, ketchup, chunky salsa, and aromatic spices, promises to elevate your dinner table experience to new heights of culinary satisfaction. With just a little over an hour from prep to table, it’s perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something hearty yet hassle-free.
- Name: Sweet & Tangy Chicken with Rice and California Vegetables
- Category: Chicken
- Keywords: White Rice, Poultry, Rice, Meat, Weeknight, Oven, Inexpensive
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 651 per serving
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 onion
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup chunky salsa
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1 1/2 cups white rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
- California vegetables (of your choice)
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when you need it.
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Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a rectangular oven-safe pan with sides. If they’re a tight fit, they can be nestled together.
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Chop Onion: Finely chop the onion and set it aside for later use.
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Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the chopped onion, brown sugar, ketchup, chunky salsa, cayenne pepper, and fresh ground pepper. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
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Coat Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
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Bake Chicken: Place the pan with the chicken in the preheated oven, uncovered. Set a timer for 30 minutes and let the chicken bake until it’s cooked through and the sauce is caramelized to perfection.
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Prepare Rice: While the chicken is baking, prepare the rice. Combine the white rice and water in an oven-safe pot. Cover the pot and place it in the oven alongside the chicken to cook.
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Cook Vegetables: Rinse your choice of California vegetables under cold water using a colander. Place them in a medium-sized microwave-safe pot or casserole dish with a lid.
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Season Vegetables: Add your favorite spices to the vegetables for an extra burst of flavor. You can use rosemary, garlic powder, or any seasoning blend you prefer.
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Microwave Vegetables: Microwave the vegetables on high for 5 minutes. Afterward, let them stand for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.
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Final Touches: Just before serving, microwave the vegetables for an additional 2 minutes if needed. If desired, add a tablespoon of butter or margarine to enhance the richness of the dish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Plate the tender Sweet & Tangy Chicken alongside fluffy white rice and the vibrant California vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 651
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 92.8mg
- Sodium: 542.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 93.8g
- Fiber: 2.6g
- Sugar: 34.5g
- Protein: 35.9g
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Customize the recipe by substituting your favorite protein, such as pork chops or tofu, for the chicken.
- Make it a complete meal by adding a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
With its irresistible combination of sweet, tangy flavors, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables, this Sweet & Tangy Chicken with Rice and California Vegetables recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this easy-to-follow recipe promises to deliver a memorable dining experience every time. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the deliciousness!
