Delicious Italian Chicken and Rice Recipe for Dinner
Food is not just about filling our bellies; it’s about nourishing our bodies and feeding our souls. As a nutritionist and food blogger, I am always on the lookout for healthy and delicious recipes that will not only taste great but also be good for you. Today, I bring to you my Italian Chicken and Rice (Gluten-Free) Recipe – a dish that delivers both in terms of taste and nutrition.
This recipe is perfect for all the chicken and rice lovers out there who want a hearty meal without having to compromise on flavor or health. It combines succulent chicken breasts with gluten-free long-grain white rice, flavored with zesty Italian dressing and aromatic herbs like basil and cilantro.
Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this Italian Chicken and Rice recipe is sure to impress your guests. So why wait? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Attention all food lovers! Get ready to be blown away by the mouthwatering flavors of this Italian Chicken and Rice recipe! This gluten-free dish is perfect for those who love Italian cuisine but need to watch their gluten intake.
Why will you love this recipe? Well, let me tell you. First and foremost, the combination of juicy chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, and aromatic basil will send your taste buds on a journey to Italy. This dish boasts a perfect balance of savory and acidic flavors that will leave you craving more.
But wait, there’s more! The addition of French-style green beans adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy texture of the rice perfectly. Plus, this recipe is versatile enough to be paired with various proteins – chicken thighs or sausage would make equally delicious substitutes.
What’s even better? You can prepare this meal in an instant pot or on a sheet pan – both options offer quick and easy preparation techniques, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you simply don’t have time to slave away in the kitchen.
And for all our dairy-free friends out there, worry not! This recipe offers suitable alternatives that do not compromise on flavor – swap parmesan cheese for dairy-free cheese or skip it altogether.
With all these features and so much more, why wouldn’t you love this recipe? Trust me; your family and guests will thank you for serving them a taste of Italy with this gluten-free chicken and rice dish.
Ingredient List
You will need the following ingredients to make this scrumptious Italian Chicken and Rice recipe:
The Rice Ingredients:
- 2 cups of long-grain white rice
- 1 can of diced tomatoes, drained (14.5 oz)
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of French-style green beans, drained
- ½ an onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
The Italian Chicken Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Garnishes:
– Freshly chopped basil and/or cilantro
This recipe is gluten-free, but if you have a dairy allergy, you could also use dairy-free cheese or just skip the cheese altogether.
The Recipe How-To
After sharing the ingredient list, it’s time to get cooking! This Italian Chicken and Rice recipe comes together relatively quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Follow these steps for a wholesome and hearty meal:
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes
- 1 bag (12 oz.) French-style green beans, thawed
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, it is important to have all of your ingredients ready. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves as thinly as possible. Measure out the required quantities of rice, chicken broth, canned tomatoes, and French-style green beans.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden-brown. Then toss in the minced garlic and stir for about two minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Chicken
Add the chicken to the skillet with onions and garlic. Cook on medium-high heat stirring occasionally until browned all over.
Step 4: Combine Rice and Broth
Add rice to the same skillet with cooked chicken along with chicken broth. Bring to a boil; then reduce heat down to low-medium heat. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil so that no steam escapes through. Simmer on low-medium for about 15 minutes or until all liquid gets absorbed into rice.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
Add canned diced tomatoes along with French-style green beans into the skillet. Mix everything together and cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Your Italian Chicken and Rice recipe is now ready. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle some fresh basil or cilantro on top to add an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy!
With these easy steps, you’ll have a delicious one-pot meal!
Substitutions and Variations
In cooking, it’s always fun to mix and match ingredients to make something different and exciting. That’s why I’ve included some substitutions and variations for this Italian Chicken and Rice recipe that you can try out to switch up the flavor profile of your dish.
For those who are lactose intolerant, you can substitute parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. This will provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy products. Additionally, if you are avoiding white rice, you can use brown rice or mixed grain rice for a healthier option.
For those who are vegetarian, try using diced tofu or veggie-friendly “chicken” tenders in place of chicken breasts. Additionally, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to keep your meal meat-free.
If you want some greens in your meal, swap out the French-style green beans with asparagus or broccoli. These vegetables would not only add a vibrant colorful aspect but also pack loads of nutrients that help support our body’s immune system.
Looking for an extra zing in your dish? Try replacing the diced tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic to give it a bolder flavor. Alternatively, you can swap the creamy Italian dressing with zesty Italian dressing. The tangy taste will elevate the flavors of your chicken and rice making it a satisfying meal.
Lastly, if you’re in the mood for something different, try making this recipe on a sheet pan instead of on the stove-top or a one-pot meal- by adding some sausages or chicken casseroles to compliment your Italian Chicken and Rice dish.
These small changes will give your taste buds a fun variation while keeping with the theme of gluten-free and dairy-free organic healthy meals!
Serving and Pairing
One of the things that I really enjoy about this Italian Chicken and Rice recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it alone as a one-bowl meal, or you can pair it with other dishes to create a more elaborate spread.
If you’re serving it as a main course, you may want to add some roasted French style green beans or a simple side salad of mixed greens with a light dressing. The freshness of the greens complements the flavors of the chicken and rice dish very well.
For even more variety, you could also serve it alongside some freshly baked bread, such as garlic bread or focaccia. The warm, crusty bread makes for a perfect companion to the hearty and fragrant chicken and rice.
If you’re interested in bringing some more Italian flavors to your table, why not pair this dish with a glass of red wine? A nice Chianti or Sangiovese would be an excellent choice.
Finally, if you’re looking for something sweet to end your meal on a high note, I recommend serving this dish with some fresh berries and whipped cream. The sweet and tart flavors of the berries contrast beautifully with the savory flavors of the chicken and rice dish.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just making an everyday meal for your family, this Italian Chicken and Rice recipe has all the components necessary to bring together a delicious and satisfying meal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy nutritionist and food blogger, I know how important it is to have meals ready to go in the fridge or freezer. Luckily, this Italian Chicken and Rice recipe is perfect for making ahead and storing for later.
To make this recipe ahead of time, simply follow the instructions up until the point where you would normally bake it. Instead of putting it in the oven, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days.
When you’re ready to cook it, preheat your oven as usual and bake it uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. You may need to add a few extra minutes if you cooked it straight from the fridge.
If you find yourself with leftovers from this delicious meal, don’t worry! It stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, use a microwave-safe dish covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. The chicken may take slightly longer to heat than the rice, so feel free to reheat them separately if necessary.
If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely in the pan before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as usual.
These make-ahead and storing tips will ensure that you always have a delicious, healthy meal on hand whenever you need one.
Tips for Perfect Results
One of the keys to making this Italian Chicken and Rice recipe a success is proper preparation of the ingredients. Here are some tips to help you get the perfect results every time.
First, when cooking the chicken, make sure to season it generously with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This will infuse the chicken with a delicious aromatic flavor, making it more palatable and enjoyable to eat.
Second, it’s essential to use long grain white rice for this recipe as it ensures that the rice doesn’t become sticky or clumpy. Always measure your rice and liquid accurately, as too much liquid may make your rice mushy, while too little may cause a dry texture.
Third, take care not to overcook your rice. Once the chicken and rice have cooked for 25-30 minutes, check if the rice is tender but firm. If so, turn off the heat immediately and allow the dish to rest covered for another five minutes. This helps ensure that all of the flavors in the dish have time to blend together.
Fourth, when preparing vegetables for this dish, be mindful of their texture. Use fresh crunchy vegetables like French style green beans, diced tomatoes or even cilantro leaves instead of canned alternatives as they can become too soft during the cooking process.
Fifth, for added depth of flavor, toss in a cup of grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil leaves while cooking. The cheese melts into the rice and adds a lovely nutty flavor while fresh basil brings freshness to each bite.
Finally, if you want to make this recipe even healthier or opt-free from chicken, you can swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs or sausage depending on your preference or dietary restrictions. Just make sure that you cook them thoroughly before using them in this recipe.
Follow these tips and get ready to savor perfectly cooked Italian Chicken & Rice every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Italian Chicken and Rice recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious, healthy, and gluten-free meal. With its creamy Italian dressing and zesty Italian seasoning, it’s bursting with flavor that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
And the best part? It’s super easy to make! You don’t have to be a master chef to whip up this dish. Following the detailed instructions in this article, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in no time. Don’t forget to check out the substitutions and variations section for ideas on how to mix things up!
Not only is this dish gluten-free and dairy-free, but it’s also packed with protein from the boneless skinless chicken breasts. Plus, you’ll get some healthy carbs from the long-grain white rice and French style green beans.
So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today and let us know what you think in the comments. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
Italian Chicken and Rice (Gluten Free) Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth, add more as desire
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups instant rice
- 14 ounces French style green beans
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cilantro (to taste)
- 2 pinches basil
- parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Spray skillet with cooking spray or use butter or oil. Sauté chicken and onion for about 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.
- Stir in broth and tomatoes and spices. Bring to boil, stir in rice and beans.
- Simmer 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, let stand 3 minutes covered.
- Serve with grated parmesan cheese if desired.