Portuguese Parmesan Chicken with Tomato Rice

Portuguese Parmesan Chicken with Tomato Rice is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together tender, golden-crusted chicken breasts and savory tomato rice. This recipe combines crispy Parmesan-coated chicken with flavorful, aromatic rice cooked in chicken broth and tomato sauce. It’s a well-rounded meal that offers both rich flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you’re entertaining guests.

The chicken is breaded with a crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, then baked to perfection, creating a crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken inside. The rice is infused with the savory taste of chicken broth, while the tomato sauce adds depth and a subtle tang. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also has the versatility to pair with a variety of sides, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Portuguese Parmesan Chicken with Tomato Rice is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, the Parmesan-coated chicken is baked, which gives it a crispy and golden crust without the need for frying, making it a healthier option. The tomato rice, rich with savory flavors from the chicken broth and tangy tomato sauce, complements the chicken beautifully. The dish is simple yet flavorful and can be easily adapted to suit various tastes. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress with its delicious combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Tomato sauce
• White rice
• Chicken broth
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Variations

1. Add Vegetables: Toss in some sautéed vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, into the tomato rice for added flavor and nutrition.
2. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce or breadcrumbs to introduce some heat to the dish.
3. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
4. Cheese Variations: For a different flavor, experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for the chicken coating.
5. Herbs: Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the tomato rice for a more fragrant and herbaceous flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then coat them with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are evenly covered.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased baking dish. Drizzle with a little olive oil to help them crisp up as they bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Rice

While the chicken is baking, heat a little olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the white rice and stir for another minute to toast the rice lightly.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: Add the Tomato Sauce

Stir the tomato sauce into the cooked rice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the crispy Parmesan chicken breasts over the flavorful tomato rice. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Check Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
2. Rice Consistency: If the rice looks too dry, add a little more chicken broth while it’s cooking. If it’s too wet, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
3. Crispier Chicken: For an extra crispy crust, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
4. Flavor Enhancements: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the rice or chicken for a bright, tangy kick.
5. Make it Ahead: Prepare the chicken and rice in advance and reheat when ready to serve. This dish reheats well and can be stored for up to 2 days in the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this Portuguese Parmesan Chicken with Tomato Rice as a main course with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a light vegetable side like sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli. For a more indulgent option, serve with a slice of garlic bread or a side of roasted potatoes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, and heat the rice in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for this recipe, bone-in chicken can be used. Just increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used, but it will take longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time and use more chicken broth as needed.

3. Can I make the rice without chicken broth?

You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth or water, but the flavor may not be as rich.

4. Can I use other cheeses for the chicken coating?

Yes, mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses can work well in place of Parmesan.

5. How do I prevent the chicken from getting soggy?

Ensure the chicken is well-coated with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture and that you drizzle it with olive oil to promote crispiness as it bakes.

6. Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use crushed cornflakes, panko, or even almond flour as a substitute for breadcrumbs.

7. Can I add vegetables to the rice?

Yes, you can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots to the rice for added flavor and nutrition.

8. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.

9. Can I make the tomato rice spicier?

Yes, you can add chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the rice if you prefer a spicier version.

10. Can I use instant rice instead of regular white rice?

While instant rice can be used, it may not absorb the tomato sauce and chicken broth as well as regular rice, so adjust the recipe accordingly.

Conclusion

Portuguese Parmesan Chicken with Tomato Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings the best of both worlds: crispy, golden chicken and a savory, comforting rice. It’s an easy weeknight dinner or a special meal for any occasion. With a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today, and enjoy the delicious combination of textures and tastes that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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