Latin-inspired Chicken and Rice Delight

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on (about 600g / 1.3 lbs) 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on (about 600g / 1.3 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (optional) 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (optional)
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• Juice of 1 orange Juice of 1 orange
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat them in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
2. 2.
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4. 4.
   Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the oil and vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. 5.
   Pour in the reserved marinade and chicken broth. Add the ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, chili powder, turmeric, saffron threads (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, skin-side up. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
7. 7.
   Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — For best results, use bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs as they add flavor and moisture to the dish. However, you can use boneless and skinless chicken thighs if preferred.
• Saffron threads — Saffron adds a unique flavor and vibrant color to the dish. If you don't have saffron, you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of turmeric for a similar color.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dish.
• To make the dish more colorful, add frozen peas or diced tomatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• If you prefer a crispy skin on the chicken, you can broil it in the oven for a few minutes after cooking on the stovetop.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Serve the dish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Serving advice

Latin-inspired Chicken and Rice Delight is best served hot, straight from the skillet. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it as a complete meal on its own or pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded and satisfying dinner.

Presentation advice

To present this dish beautifully, arrange the chicken thighs on top of the rice, skin-side up, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Serve it in a colorful ceramic dish or on individual plates for an elegant presentation. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and the golden hue of the chicken will make the dish visually appealing.