Chicken & Rice

One of the things I've found with having to budget your grocery bill is that you inevitably end up eating a lot of rice. It's cheap, available in large quantities and is easily one of the most versatile foods going.

Chicken isn't so cheap, though if you're not fussy about always having to use the boneless, skinless breasts it's not too bad. I prefer the chicken thighs because I love braising...but there is one particular recipe I find myself going back to on a constant basis in regards to chicken breasts.

First off, I sear the chicken breasts in a small amount of oil...both sides...then throw them on a BBQ or indoor grill.

The rice (jasmine or basmatti) I'll cook using some dried or fresh rosemary and a tablespoon or two of vanilla extract. I know, sounds odd...trust me, though, it's worth the experiment. I'll always add some sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to the rice (and chicken for that matter).

Once the rice and chicken is done, chop up the chicken and mix it up with the rice. Feel free to add anything else to it you want...I prefer spinach. I usually use the frozen jobbies, but if all I have is fresh I'll just make sure it's in manageable sizes and wilt it for a moment in the pan with the chicken...then just mix it in with the final dish. You can make a lot of this stuff in about a half hour, giving you several meals, lunches or just a constant side dish.

If I wanted rice and chicken I'd go to Mexico.

When did Rachael Ray become a member?

It's a new hobby.

Get over it.

'Twas a joke. I enjoy cooking. I suck at it, but it's fun.

I always start eating it halfway.

Don't make it too complicated. I have stopped buying salad dressings because it's too easy to make my own. I've built up a very respectable pantry of spices and stuff because with a rack full of spice you can turn anything ordinary into something different every day.

Once I'm in my new place, I'll have things set up better and be able to actually show you what I mean.

I don't really make or follow recipes but yea just do something like this:

Fry some onions, garlic, carrots, red/green peppers, chilli powder, cumin seeds, paprika and parsley. add some chopped tomatoes, kidney beans, salt+pepper, water, chicken stock and rice. simmer until the liquids gone. grate some lime over it. The result- tasty rice.

Also mashed sweet potatoes+butter+nutmeg+salt+black pepper= win. I can eat bowls of it. All day. So good. Oh and roasted parsnips are immense. mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

New rule for this board: every post must contain pictures.

Both of those sound awesome. Me thinks I'm trying something new this weekend. Thanks Peek!

Cool np, enjoy =)

Also when i'm not eating leftovers for lunch, I usually make my own version of the Ploughman's lunch, a traditional British meal:

- Get 2 slices of thick crusty bread. Spread mayonnaise or butter on one slice and lots of Branston pickle on the other. Add thick slices of cheddar cheese, tomato, iceberg lettuce, rocket, celery, red onion, hard boiled egg and some black pepper. Admire it for a few minutes.

And there you have it; it's not complicated or groundbreaking but it's a tasty and hearty lunchtime meal. Much better than the processed and anemic fancy sandwiches/wraps/salads people buy when on their lunch breaks =p

I can't admire it without pictures.

Well I no longer own a camera; I gave it to my sister to replace the one stolen from her.

Stupid I know =\

Is that your sister in your avatar?

Yes, with your Mom.