Spiced Chicken with Rice and Black Eyed Peas
Spiced chicken with rice and black eyed peas is a hearty, deeply flavorful dish with hints of smokiness and just the right amount of spice.
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the rice and peas:
- 3 pieces bacon, cut in thirds
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup brown rice, (or sub white rice)
- 2 cups water
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can black eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
For the chicken:
- 4 (6-7 oz.) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the bacon pieces. Cook, turning occasionally, until bacon is cooked through and crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove to paper towels to drain, then crumble and reserve.
- In the same pan with the grease from the bacon, add the onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook 30 more seconds.
- Add the rice to the same pan and stir to get it coated in the oils. Add the water, bring to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat to low and cook for 30 minutes, until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. (If you are using white rice, it will be done in closer to 20 minutes.)
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the paprika, Cajun seasoning, sugar and salt. Sprinkle over the chicken strips on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides, about 4-5 minutes each, until just cooked through.
- When the rice is finished, stir in the salt, black eyed peas and hot sauce to the pot and mix well to combine.
- Serve the chicken over the mixed rice and black eyed peas with reserved bacon and green onions sprinkled on top.
Notes
Leftover chicken and rice, once cooled, can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 556kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 54g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 992mg | Potassium: 1052mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1124IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg
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