Spiced Chicken Rice

Spiced Chicken Rice is a vibrant Moroccan dish that combines tender chicken with aromatic spices and fluffy rice, creating a delightful and healthy meal. It's a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition that brings the essence of Moroccan cuisine to your table.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast - 300 grams
• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 medium, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Chicken broth - 400 ml
• Chickpeas - 100 grams, canned and drained
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lemon - 1, juiced

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 20 minutes.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
4. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet. Season with cumin, cinnamon, paprika, salt, black pepper, and turmeric. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 7-10 minutes.
5. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the skillet, stirring well to combine with the chicken and vegetables.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
7. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the drained chickpeas.
8. Once done, remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Add the fresh parsley and lemon juice, mixing gently to combine.
9. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 38 g
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, promoting muscle health and repair.
• Rich in fiber, aiding in digestion and maintaining a healthy gut.

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