Santa Fe Chicken With Saffron Rice Recipe
Are you looking for a meal that is both delicious and healthy? Look no further than my Santa Fe Chicken with Saffron Rice recipe! This dish is made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts and a variety of flavorful ingredients, making it a perfect meal for those who want to eat well without sacrificing taste.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile – it can be paired with fresh cilantro, cheddar cheese or even lime – cauliflower rice. This dish really makes the most out of saffron rice- an ingredient that adds depth to the chicken breast recipe. No matter how you choose to serve it, Santa Fe Chicken with Saffron Rice is an easy and delicious way to impress your dinner guests.
Additionally, if you’re someone who likes to meal prep or wants a low-carb alternative, this dish can easily be adapted using different cuts of chicken or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
So whether you are cooking for one, hosting a dinner party, or planning your meals for the week, Santa Fe Chicken with Saffron Rice will not disappoint. Let’s turn up the heat and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to preparing a hearty and delicious meal, nothing beats the classic Santa Fe Chicken with Saffron Rice Recipe. This dish is a flavorful feast for the senses, with its blend of juicy chicken breasts, black beans, Mexican tomatoes and onions mixed with the earthy aroma of saffron rice.
But why should you love this recipe? Let me count the ways.
First, it’s easy and quick to prepare. With just thirty minutes of total prep and cook time, this dish can easily be made in one pot – saving you both time and dishes to clean up. In today’s fast-paced world, cooking a healthy meal that also saves time is essential.
Second, it’s versatile enough to suit every taste preference. Whether you prefer your meals spicy, tangy or mild, this recipe can be tailored to suit your taste buds in no time at all. You can adjust the spice levels, remove or add ingredients at your convenience to create your perfect plate.
Third, it’s a healthy meal option. Made with boneless skinless chicken breasts and saffron rice packed with proteins and fibers; this dish will surely nourish you without compromising on taste. It is also low-carb, making it ideal for those watching their carbohydrate intake.
Fourth, Santa Fe Chicken with Saffron Rice is perfect for meal prep, and can be stored in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
And finally, because it is simply a delicious dish! The blend of spicy chicken topped with fresh cilantro and cheddar cheese on top of savory saffron rice really makes this meal special. Trust us when we say that one bite is enough to make your taste buds do a happy dance!
So go ahead and try out the Santa Fe Chicken with Saffron Rice Recipe today! It’s easy to make, healthy and definitely worth savoring!
Ingredient List
Before starting to cook, it is important to gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. Here are the ingredients you will need for this flavorful and healthy dish:
For the Santa Fe Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 dash of lime juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can of Mexican or stewed tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 can of black beans (14 oz)
- optional: add some taco seasoning for an extra kick
For the Saffron Rice:
- 4 cups of water or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- A generous pinch of saffron threads
- 2 cups yellow rice
- optional: if you prefer another type of rice (such as white, long-grain, or basmati), it will work too.
Toppings and Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro
- Chopped bell peppers
- Shredded cheddar cheese
These ingredients can be easily found at any local grocery store, and some may even be in your pantry already. The combination of spices and flavors in this recipe produces an easy, delicious meal that is perfect for meal prep or a cozy weeknight dinner.
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s get to the fun part – The Recipe How-To! Get ready to cook up some delicious Santa Fe Chicken with Saffron Rice.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this flavorful and healthy meal:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro
- A generous pinch of saffron threads
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Yellow rice, cooked according to package instructions
Step-by-step Directions
Step One: Preheat your oven.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
Step Two: Cook the chicken.
Season your chicken breast with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for around six minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer the chicken breasts onto a cutting board and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step Three: Cook onions and garlic.
In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, add some more olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions, minced garlic and sauté for about five minutes or until onions are softened.
Step Four: Prepare tomato mixture.
Add in both cans of tomatoes (Mexican-style stewed tomatoes and diced tomatoes with green chilies), rinsed black beans, Worcestershire sauce, juice from one lime, a generous pinch of saffron threads, and fresh chopped cilantro into the skillet. Season everything generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Five: Bake!
Transfer everything from the skillet into an oven-safe baking dish, then add in sliced chicken pieces on top. Mix everything together in your baking dish before dotting butter or margarine all over the top of your mixture.
Step Six: Bake again!
Bake until bubbly and sizzling hot for around 25 minutes. Once done, remove it from heat then let it cool down for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Results
To make sure you get perfect results for this recipe:
- You may use bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- You may use white rice as an alternative to yellow rice.
- You can replace saffron threads with a teaspoon of ground turmeric.
- Pair with cilantro-lime cauliflower rice, bell peppers or taco-seasoned fried rice.
- Use leftovers as protein-packed topping salad bowl or low-carb meal prep.
- Serve it up hot with garnished fresh cilantro leaves along with a side dish like persian rice, baked chicken thighs, basmati
Substitutions and Variations
Looking for ways to switch up your Santa Fe Chicken with Saffron Rice recipe? There are plenty of substitutions and variations to keep things interesting in the kitchen! Here are a few ideas to play around with:
– Rice: While yellow rice is a classic choice for this dish, you could experiment with other types of rice too. Basmati or long grain white rice would be delicious, or try something more unique like Persian rice.
– Protein: If you’re not in the mood for chicken breasts, you can easily swap them out for boneless skinless chicken thighs or even chickpeas. For a low-carb option, try making this dish with cauliflower rice.
– Vegetables: Want to add more veggies to the mix? Bell peppers would be a great addition, or you could throw in some green olives for a Spanish-inspired twist.
– Cheese: While cheddar cheese is our go-to for melting over the top of this dish, you could certainly switch things up with some crumbled queso fresco or even feta cheese.
– Spice: To give your Santa Fe Chicken an extra kick, try adding some taco seasoning to your chicken before cooking it up. Or if you want a milder version, simply cut back on the garlic and lime juice and omit the Worcestershire sauce.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for your taste buds! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this dish your own.
Serving and Pairing
Our Santa Fe Chicken with Saffron Rice recipe is a mouth-watering dish that can be served on any occasion. This warm and hearty meal is sure to satisfy your hunger and leave you feeling satisfied. The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing.
To start off, let’s focus on the rice. The saffron-infused rice really makes this dish stand out. It’s flavorful and aromatic, and pairs perfectly with the spiciness of the chicken. The yellow color of the rice adds a pop of vibrancy to the meal, making it visually appealing as well.
If you’re looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is an excellent substitute for saffron rice. Not only does it add nutrition to this dish, but it also complements the flavors of our Santa Fe chicken perfectly.
For serving, we recommend topping your chicken with fresh cilantro and shredded cheddar cheese. This adds a depth of flavor to the meal that is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
When it comes to pairing this esteemed chicken recipe, there are several options that would work beautifully. A simple green salad with sliced bell peppers or taco seasoned chickpeas makes for a great side dish. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, opt for long-grain white rice or even baked chicken thighs.
Additionally, this dish can be easily transformed into a meal prep favorite by storing your leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge. It reheats well in the oven or microwave, making it perfect for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Overall, our Santa Fe Chicken with Saffron Rice recipe is terrific by itself or combined with other dishes. With its spicy flavor and colorful presentation, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or family gathering.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this Santa Fe Chicken with Saffron Rice recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. The flavors only get better as they marinate together. To make it ahead of time, simply store the chicken and rice separately and then combine them when ready to serve.
If you want to make this dish for a meal prep situation, this recipe is perfect! The chicken can be cooked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The rice can also be cooked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating this meal is easy. Simply add some moisture back into the chicken by adding a splash of water or chicken broth before reheating. Then, heat everything up either in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove until fully heated through.
If you find yourself with leftovers, this dish stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When reheating leftovers, follow the same steps as above.
Overall, this make-ahead, storing, and reheating process makes this recipe highly convenient, perfect for busy weeknights or meal preps.
Tips for Perfect Results
The key to a great Santa Fe Chicken With Saffron Rice recipe is in the details. Here are some tips for ensuring perfect results every time:
First and foremost, don’t overcook the chicken. It’s easy to get carried away with cooking times, but boneless skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and can easily become dry and chewy if overcooked. Use an instant-read thermometer to determine when your chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
When making the saffron rice, be sure to use long-grain rice for best results. The saffron threads not only add flavor and aroma but also give the dish its beautiful golden color. A generous pinch of saffron threads should do the trick without overpowering the other flavors.
If you prefer a lower carb meal or want to switch up the side dish, try substituting the yellow rice with cilantro lime cauliflower rice. Simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains, then sauté in a pan with chopped bell peppers and taco seasoning until tender.
When serving, top the chicken with fresh cilantro and shredded cheddar cheese for added flavor and texture. But don’t forget the lime wedges for squeezing over the top – it really brings out all of those bold flavors!
Lastly, this dish makes for excellent meal prep. Simply store the cooked chicken and saffron rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for an easy weeknight dinner or grab-and-go lunch.
Follow these simple tips and watch as your Santa Fe Chicken With Saffron Rice becomes a staple in your dinner recipe lineup – full of bold flavors and healthy ingredients that are sure to impress!
FAQ
As I write this recipe article, it is important to consider some of the most common questions that may arise from preparing Santa Fe Chicken with Saffron Rice. In this section, I have answered a variety of frequently asked questions and provided tips to help you achieve perfect results every time you make this delicious and easy meal. So, let’s dive in!
Is yellow rice the same as saffron rice?
Yellow rice and saffron rice are similar in that they are both white rice that has been colored with either turmeric or saffron. This coloring gives the rice a vibrant yellow hue and adds a tangy taste to it.
What is Santa Fe chicken made of?
Santa Fe Chicken is a dish that requires only one pot to make. The main ingredients for this dish are chicken breast pieces that are seasoned with a variety of spices. In addition to the chicken, vegetables like corn, tomatoes, and black beans are also used. However, the choice of vegetables can be adjusted according to personal taste preferences.
Is saffron rice made from saffron?
Saffron rice is a savory dish commonly prepared with white rice, saffron, and vegetable bouillon. The recipe varies across different countries but the basics remain the same with the addition of a few ingredients to plain cooked rice.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Santa Fe Chicken with Saffron Rice recipe is a delicious and healthy one-pot meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its tasty combination of chicken, rice, black beans, Mexican tomatoes, and seasonings like garlic, lime juice, and Worcestershire sauce, this dish will surely impress your taste buds. The saffron rice really makes this recipe stand out and adds a special touch to the meal.
Moreover, this recipe is versatile enough to allow for substitutions and variations so you can tweak it to suit your personal preferences. Not only is this recipe easy to make but it’s also perfect for meal prepping or serving as an impressive dinner party dish.
So go ahead and try out this dish made with boneless skinless chicken breasts, yellow and saffron rice, fresh cilantro and cheddar cheese. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with the result! This Santa Fe Chicken with Saffron Rice recipe truly captures the flavors of Southwestern cuisine while being healthy and nutritious at the same time. Whip it up tonight and enjoy a delicious feast that will transport your taste buds on a culinary adventure.
Santa Fe Chicken With Saffron Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
- 1 dash lime juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can Mexican tomatoes or (14 1/2 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
- 1 (5 ounce) package saffron rice mix or (5 ounce) package yellow rice (Mahatma brand)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese or 1 cup cheddar cheese
Garnish
- chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Spray a 2-quart casserole with cooking spray.
- Put chicken and onion into the casserole.
- Sprinkle with worcestershire, lime and garlic.
- Bake in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes or until chicken is done.
- Cut up the stewed tomatoes; add to casserole with rest of ingredients except cheese.
- Mix, then cover tightly.
- Continue to bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until rice is done.
- Sprinkle with cheese, cover and let sit on top of stove until cheese melts.
- Top with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Chloe
Chloe is passionate about creating unique dishes that draw on the flavors of her favorite cultures. She loves experimenting with new ingredients and pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. Her enthusiasm for cooking is infectious, and she is always eager to share her creations with friends and family.