Why Make This Recipe
Cooking is not just about feeding our bodies; it’s also about creating memories and sharing moments with loved ones. "Keeping This Close to Heart" is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, celebrate a special occasion, or enjoy a cozy night at home, this recipe has you covered. Its delicious flavors, simple preparation, and heartfelt essence make it a great choice for anyone who enjoys cooking from the heart.
How to Make Keeping This Close to Heart
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of high-quality chicken stock
- 1 cup of jasmine rice
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) for garnish
Directions:
Prepare the Chicken: Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs. Season them with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Heat the Oil: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs.
Sear the Chicken: Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the minced garlic, ginger, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables soften.
Cook the Rice: Add the jasmine rice to the pan, stirring it into the vegetables to absorb their flavor. Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a boil.
Simmer the Dish: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
Combine and Rest: After the rice is done, return the cooked chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice. Cover the pan again and let everything rest for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork, mixing in the chicken before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs for a lovely touch.
How to Serve Keeping This Close to Heart
"Keeping This Close to Heart" is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan. Serve it in large bowls for a comforting meal. You can pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover chicken stock goodness. This dish shines on its own, but you can also offer additional garnishes, like lemon wedges or extra herbs, on the side for those who want a burst of freshness.
How to Store Keeping This Close to Heart
Leftovers can be a wonderful treat for the next day. To store "Keeping This Close to Heart,” follow these steps:
- Cool Down: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing it.
- Refrigeration: Place the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They can last for up to three days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. Pack it in a freezer-safe container, and it should stay good for up to three months.
To reheat, simply microwave portions or warm on the stovetop until heated through. If the rice seems dry after reheating, just add a splash of water or chicken stock for moisture.
Tips to Make Keeping This Close to Heart
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choosing high-quality chicken stock and fresh vegetables can significantly enhance the flavor of this dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: Make sure to follow the cooking time for the rice closely. Overcooked rice can become mushy and lose its texture.
- Customize Spices: If you like more heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce while cooking.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Adding herbs at the end not only adds flavor but also a visually appealing touch to the dish.
- Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover roasted chicken, you can easily substitute it in this recipe for a quick and easy meal.
Variation
You can easily alter "Keeping This Close to Heart" to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for cooking the rice. Add spinach or seasonal vegetables for a nutritious touch.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or Thai chili for a spicy kick.
- Curry Flavored: Stir in some curry powder while sautéing the vegetables for a unique take on the dish.
- One-Pot Meal: If you prefer a one-pot method, cook the onions and peppers in the same pot as the rice and stock. Add the chicken pieces on top and let everything cook together for convenience.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of rice instead of jasmine?
Yes, you can use basmati rice or long-grain rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as necessary.
2. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). It should also be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink on the inside.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance and then simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
With its wholesome ingredients and delightful flavors, "Keeping This Close to Heart" is a dish that truly embodies the comfort of home cooking. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a quiet evening alone, this recipe is sure to be a cherished addition to your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the process, have fun in the kitchen, and enjoy the meal!
Print
Keeping This Close to Heart
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A heartwarming dish of chicken thighs and jasmine rice, infused with comforting flavors, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 2 cups high-quality chicken stock
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) for garnish
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken thighs.
- Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked; remove and set aside.
- Add minced garlic, ginger, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper to the same pan; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add jasmine rice, stirring to absorb the flavors, then pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Return cooked chicken to the pan, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Fluff rice gently with a fork, mix in the chicken, and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable stock. Customize with spices for a unique flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: comfort food, chicken recipe, one pot meal, family meal, easy dinner