Cold Chicken And Rice Recipes: A Refreshing Summer Delight

July 06, 2023 Post a Comment

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Cold Chicken and Rice Salad Budget Cooking Feed 4 for 10 Cooking Light from www.cookinglight.com

Description

Cold chicken and rice dishes are perfect for a hot summer day when you want something light and refreshing. These dishes are easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch. They are also very versatile, as you can use different types of rice and chicken, as well as add your favorite vegetables and herbs.

Prep Time and Cook Time

Preparation time for cold chicken and rice recipes varies depending on the dish you choose. On average, it takes about 20-30 minutes to cook the rice and 20-30 minutes to cook the chicken. The total time for preparation can take about an hour, but it's worth it. Once the dishes are made, they can be stored in the fridge for several days, making them a great option for meal prep.

Ingredients

The ingredients for cold chicken and rice dishes can vary, but here are some basics:

Chicken breasts or thighs
Rice (white, brown, jasmine, etc.)
Vegetables (cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, etc.)
Herbs (cilantro, parsley, mint, etc.)
Dressing (lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, etc.)
Salt and pepper

Equipment

To make cold chicken and rice dishes, you will need some basic kitchen equipment, including:

A pot for cooking rice
A pan for cooking chicken
A cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables
A mixing bowl for preparing the dressing
Airtight containers for storing the dishes in the fridge

Method

Here's how to make a simple cold chicken and rice salad:

Cook the rice according to the package instructions and let it cool.
Cook the chicken in a pan over medium heat until it's fully cooked, then let it cool.
Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients (lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped vegetables, and dressing.
Chop the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl.
Toss all the ingredients together until they are well coated with the dressing.
Transfer the salad to an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

Notes

Here are some tips to make your cold chicken and rice dishes even better:

Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Add different vegetables and herbs to change the flavor and texture of the dish.
Make a large batch and store it in the fridge for an easy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Adjust the dressing to your liking by adding more or less lemon juice, oil, or vinegar.

Nutrition Info

Cold chicken and rice dishes are a healthy and balanced meal option. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional information for a basic chicken and rice salad:

Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 350mg

Recipe Tips

Try these variations of cold chicken and rice dishes to keep things interesting:

Thai Chicken and Rice Salad: Add chopped mango, red onion, and peanuts to your rice salad, and dress it with a mixture of peanut butter, soy sauce, and lime juice.
Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Salad: Use brown rice and add cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and a lemon and oregano dressing.
Cajun Chicken and Rice Salad: Use jasmine rice and add black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a spicy cajun dressing.

Whatever your taste preferences, cold chicken and rice dishes are a great way to stay cool and refreshed during the summer months. With a little bit of preparation, you can have a healthy and tasty meal ready to go whenever you need it.