Poultry > African

African-Style Chicken and Rice Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet with lid

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Add rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the spice mixture.
6. Add chicken broth and raisins to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture.
8. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid.
9. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until rice is cooked and chicken is cooked through.
10. Remove skillet from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
11. Fluff rice with a fork and sprinkle with slivered almonds before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for browning chicken
- Low heat for simmering rice and chicken
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 450
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 38g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Long-grain white rice can be substituted with brown rice or basmati rice.
- Raisins can be substituted with dried cranberries or chopped apricots.
- Slivered almonds can be substituted with chopped pistachios or cashews.

Variations:
- Add chopped carrots and celery to the skillet for added vegetables.
- Use coconut milk instead of chicken broth for a creamier dish.
- Add chopped fresh cilantro or parsley before serving for added flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brown the chicken well before adding it back to the skillet to ensure it stays moist and flavorful.
- Fluff the rice with a fork after cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the dish for added flavor.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve on a bed of fresh spinach or arugula for added color and nutrition.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or chopped scallions before serving.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
- Quinoa salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice is not cooked through after 25 minutes, add a splash of additional chicken broth and continue simmering until rice is tender.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- African cuisine is known for its use of spices and bold flavors, which are showcased in this dish.

Flavor profiles:
- This dish is savory and slightly sweet, with warm spices and a nutty crunch from the slivered almonds.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve with a side of naan bread or pita for a complete meal.

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Taste: Savory, Spicy, Tangy, Herbal, Aromatic