Description
This Chicken Flavored Rice recipe is a comforting and hearty side dish made by sautéing rice and orzo pasta in butter, then simmering them in a flavorful chicken broth seasoned with dehydrated onion, black pepper, and chicken base. The result is a fluffy, aromatic rice dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of mains or can be enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 cup Long Grain White Rice
- ½ cup Orzo Pasta
- ½ teaspoon Dehydrated Onion
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 3¼ cups Chicken Broth
- 1 tablespoon Chicken Base
- Salt (if needed at the end)
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan (about 2½–3 quarts) over medium heat until it becomes melted and foamy.
- Sauté Rice and Orzo: Add the white rice and orzo pasta to the melted butter. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice and orzo develop a lightly golden color in spots, which enhances flavor.
- Add Seasonings and Broth: Stir in the dehydrated onion and black pepper, then pour in the chicken broth.
- Dissolve Chicken Base: Add the chicken base to the pot and stir continuously until it is fully dissolved, ensuring the broth is rich and flavorful.
- Boil Broth: Increase the heat to high and bring the broth mixture to a rapid boil. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Simmer Until Liquid Reduces: Lower the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice and orzo become visible on the surface, approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan.
- Cook Covered on Low Heat: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and cook for around 20 minutes or until the rice and orzo are tender. Stir only once halfway through cooking to maintain texture.
- Fluff Rice: Once cooked, uncover the pan and use a fork to fluff the rice, allowing steam to escape for perfect texture.
- Season to Taste: Taste the rice and add salt if necessary. For reference, a pinch of salt was added in the sample preparation.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, then serve warm and enjoy this delicious chicken flavored rice dish.
Notes
- The orzo pasta adds a delightful texture contrast to the rice and provides a subtle nutty flavor.
- If chicken broth is not available, vegetable broth can be substituted, but this will alter the flavor profile.
- Stirring occasionally during simmering helps prevent the rice and orzo from sticking to the pan bottom.
- The recipe allows for salt adjustment at the end, as chicken base and broth may already contain sodium.
- Fresh parsley garnish not only adds color but also a refreshing herbal note.
- This dish pairs well with grilled or roasted chicken and steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken flavored rice, rice with orzo, rice side dish, chicken broth rice, easy rice recipe
