This remarkably simple recipe is one of my favorite week-night meals because it’s quick to prepare and full of flavor. At home we call it “Spanish Chicken and Rice,” but it came about from one of my experiments one evening and there is nothing even remotely authentically “Spanish” about it. You can, however, substitute Farmhouse(R) Spanish Rice Mix if you don’t want to make your own.

2 c. Cooked Rice (Left over rice works great!)

1 15 oz. can of Tomatoes with Green Chillies

1 small Clove of Garlic, minced

1 T. Dried Minced Onion**

Salt and Pepper

2-4 boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts

Olive Oil

McCormick(R) Sicilian Seasoning

Reconstitute the onions in warm water for 10-15 minutes. (I use a shot glass or small prep bowl.)

Begin heating the oil in a lidded, non-stick skillet large enough to accommodate the amount of chicken you are preparing over medium heat. Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper and the Sicilian seasoning, then place in the heated pan and brown the chicken about 1-2 minutes on each side. Make sure to keep the lid on between turning, and decrease the heat to low. Continue to cook the chicken, covered, over low heat, for an additional 7 minutes on each side, or until the center of the thickest part reaches 165 degrees F.

Meanwhile, heat the tomatoes in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until they begin to boil. Add the garlic and onion and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes, then add the rice and stir to combine. Leave over low heat, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to meld.

Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Slice the chicken into 3/4 inch slices across the bias and serve with the rice.

Wine Suggestion: Gewurztraminer. This is often a great choice with spicy food!

**As I mention in all of my recipes containing onion, I have a severe intolerance to raw/fresh onion, so I tend to stick with the dried ones. Please substitute the real thing at will and enjoy them for me.

I mentioned the Farmhouse(R) Rice mix in the intro to this recipe. These mixes are made with ingredients that you can read and understand. No preservatives and fillers, just real food. For week-night shortcuts, we would recommend these over many of the other options that you’ll find on the shelves nearby, and the price is very reasonable, even here in Fairbanks!