Wicked Dirty Brown Rice with Chicken

29 Apr Wicked Dirty Brown Rice with Chicken

A big shout out and thank you to Facebook Recipe Contest Winner,  Nani Jenkins Jackson! Nani suggested the idea of rice and soul food, so I went wicked dirty and wicked healthy, Boston-style! This recipe is delicious and has an awesome balance of protein, carbs and fat to help you burn fat, build muscle and feel great. Warning: if you are sensitive to heat, you can dial back a bit on the cayenne. If you like it fiery hot, add a little Sriracha sauce on the side. Let me know what you think!

Wicked Dirty Brown Rice with Chicken

Makes about 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups cooked brown rice  (I used brown basmati rice…just make sure not to overcook your rice)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 stalks celery plus grab a handful of the celery leaves, all chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 5 sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves removed and chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and grated on a cheese grater
• 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 1/4 cups organic, low sodium chicken stock
• 1/2 heaping teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 heaping teaspoon white pepper (find it in the spice aisle, or just use black pepper to taste)
• 2 big pinches of nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (you can add more if you like it hot)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoky paprika
• 1 rotisserie chicken, preferably organic, skin removed and meat chopped or shredded
• handful of fresh parsley, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil. Let oil get hot. Add onion, celery, bell pepper and thyme and cook for approximate 5 minutes. Add carrot and garlic and cook for one minute.
2.  Add chicken stock and reduce heat. Stir in salt, peppers and remaining spices. Let simmer approximately 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
3. Add 4 cups of cooked brown rice plus 3 cups of chicken. Stir and cook a few minutes to let flavors blend. Re-taste for seasoning and adjust spices accordingly.
4. Top with fresh parsley and serve. Enjoy!

SO, WHAT’S THE NUTRITION BALANCE?

This recipe has a good balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat and is a complete meal.