Old Fashioned Baked Chicken with Rice and Pimentos: A Culinary Delight

Embark on a culinary journey with our old fashioned baked chicken with rice and pimentos recipe, a timeless dish that tantalizes taste buds and evokes memories. Let’s dive into the rich flavors and simple steps that make this recipe a beloved classic.

This hearty dish has its roots in Southern cuisine, where it has been passed down through generations. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and savory pimentos creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Ingredients List

To prepare this classic dish, you’ll need a variety of fresh ingredients:

Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables:

• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Other:

• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 1/2 cup chopped pimentos
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup butter

Step-by-Step s

The process of preparing this classic dish involves several steps. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure a delicious and satisfying meal.

First, you’ll need to prepare the chicken and season it with salt and pepper. Then, you’ll brown the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Once the chicken is browned, you’ll transfer it to a baking dish and bake it in the oven until it’s cooked through.

Preparing the Rice

While the chicken is baking, you can cook the rice. Start by rinsing the rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Then, combine the rice, water, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 18 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed.

Combining the Ingredients

Once the chicken and rice are cooked, it’s time to combine them. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, rice, pimentos, and gravy. Stir until well combined. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Techniques

This recipe employs several cooking techniques that work together to create a flavorful and tender dish.

The chicken is first browned in a skillet, which creates a flavorful crust while locking in its juices. The browned chicken is then transferred to a baking dish, where it is roasted in the oven until fully cooked. The roasting process allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the herbs and spices, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish.

Braising

Braising is a cooking technique that involves browning the meat in a skillet and then simmering it in a flavorful liquid, such as broth or wine, in a covered pan. This technique is used to tenderize tough cuts of meat and create a rich, flavorful sauce.

Examples of other recipes that utilize braising include beef stew, pork shoulder, and lamb shanks.

Serving Suggestions

Old-fashioned baked chicken with rice and pimentos is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a casual family gathering or a special occasion, here are some recommendations for serving this classic dish:

Traditional Presentation

Traditionally, old-fashioned baked chicken with rice and pimentos is served as a main course, accompanied by a simple green salad and crusty bread. The chicken is typically placed on a platter or serving dish, surrounded by the rice and pimentos.

Modern Presentation

In recent years, more modern presentations of old-fashioned baked chicken with rice and pimentos have emerged. For example, the dish can be served in individual ramekins or small bowls, with the chicken, rice, and pimentos layered on top of each other.

This presentation adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the dish.

Side Dishes and Accompaniments

There are many different side dishes and accompaniments that can be served with old-fashioned baked chicken with rice and pimentos. Some popular options include:

• Mashed potatoes
• Green beans
• Cornbread
• Cranberry sauce
• Gravy

You can also get creative and experiment with different side dishes and accompaniments to find what you like best.

Variations and Adaptations

The classic baked chicken with rice and pimentos recipe offers a versatile foundation for culinary experimentation. By incorporating different ingredients or altering cooking methods, you can create unique variations that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

One successful adaptation involves replacing the pimentos with diced bell peppers, offering a vibrant color and a slightly sweeter flavor profile. Alternatively, adding chopped mushrooms to the rice mixture infuses an earthy umami that complements the chicken’s savory notes.

Substituting the Rice

For a gluten-free alternative, substitute the rice with quinoa or brown rice. These grains provide a nutty flavor and a chewy texture that pairs well with the chicken.

Seasoning Variations

Experiment with different seasonings to enhance the flavor of the chicken. Try a blend of paprika, garlic powder, and cumin for a smoky and aromatic twist. Alternatively, a combination of rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest imparts a fresh and herbaceous flavor.

Cooking Method Adaptations

Instead of baking, consider braising the chicken in a flavorful liquid such as chicken broth or white wine. This method yields tender and juicy chicken with a rich sauce that can be spooned over the rice.

Presentation Variations

For a more elegant presentation, arrange the chicken on a bed of rice, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives, and drizzle with a flavorful sauce. Alternatively, serve the chicken and rice separately, allowing diners to customize their portions and add their preferred toppings.

Nutritional Information

The old-fashioned baked chicken with rice and pimentos is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of macronutrients and micronutrients. The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

Health Benefits

Consuming this dish offers several health benefits, including:

• Provides essential nutrients: This dish is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, iron, calcium, and vitamin C, which are all essential for maintaining good health.
• Supports heart health: The chicken and rice in this dish are both good sources of protein, which is essential for maintaining a healthy heart. Protein helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and it can also help to reduce the risk of heart disease.

  Now that you have the hard boiled eggs ready (check out our guide on how to hard boil eggs in microwave for perfect results), let’s get back to our old fashioned baked chicken with rice and pimentos recipe. Add the hard boiled eggs to the chicken and rice mixture and stir gently to combine.

  The creamy yolks and firm whites will add a delightful texture and flavor to the dish.

• Boosts immunity: The pimentos in this dish are a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for boosting immunity. Vitamin C helps to protect the body from infection and disease.
• Promotes healthy digestion: The fiber in this dish helps to promote healthy digestion. Fiber helps to keep the digestive system moving smoothly and can help to prevent constipation and other digestive problems.

Historical and Cultural Context: Old Fashioned Baked Chicken With Rice And Pimentos Recipe

Old-fashioned baked chicken with rice and pimentos is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Southern United States, where it was a staple dish for many families. The dish is made with simple ingredients, such as chicken, rice, pimentos, and onions, and is typically baked in a casserole dish.

Over time, the dish has evolved to include a variety of different ingredients and flavors, but the basic recipe remains the same.

Culinary Traditions, Old fashioned baked chicken with rice and pimentos recipe

Old-fashioned baked chicken with rice and pimentos is a dish that reflects the culinary traditions of the Southern United States. The dish is made with simple, everyday ingredients that are readily available in the region. The dish is also easy to prepare, making it a popular choice for busy families.

Old-fashioned baked chicken with rice and pimentos is often served as a main course, and it can be accompanied by a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread.

Anecdotes and Stories

There are many anecdotes and stories related to the history of old-fashioned baked chicken with rice and pimentos. One popular story tells of a Southern family who was so poor that they could only afford to eat chicken once a week.

The family would bake the chicken in a casserole dish with rice and pimentos, and they would eat the leftovers for the rest of the week. Another story tells of a group of soldiers who were stationed in the South during the Civil War.

The soldiers would often eat old-fashioned baked chicken with rice and pimentos, and they would sing songs about the dish.

Final Summary

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply seeking a comforting meal, our old fashioned baked chicken with rice and pimentos recipe is sure to impress. Its versatility allows for endless variations, making it a dish that can be tailored to your preferences.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s create a culinary masterpiece together!