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This One Skillet Cheesy Brazilian Chicken Rice Bake is an easy, mildly spicy weeknight dinner that’s hearty and exceptionally flavorful. Featuring classic Brazilian spices, poblano peppers, tomatoes, and plenty of fresh cilantro, this aromatic, naturally gluten-free dish is a breeze to prepare and cook in just over thirty minutes.
Key Ingredients
Chicken: Marinated in fresh lime juice, parsley, cilantro, and salt
Spices: Cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and hot chili pepper flakes
Vegetables: Poblano peppers, tomatoes, peas
Rice: Long-grain or jasmine rice
Cheese: Mild, good-melting cheese (e.g., mozzarella or Monterey Jack)
One Skillet Cheesy Brazilian Chicken Rice Bake: 5 Steps to Perfection
Marinate the Chicken: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in fresh lime juice, parsley, cilantro, and a bit ofsalt. Doing this in the morning allows the flavors to infuse deeply, making the dish more delicious.
Use the Right Pan: A sizable cast-iron pot or a large skillet with a lid works best for this recipe. These types of cookware help in even cooking and better heat retention.
Proper Browning: Sauté the onions and garlic thoroughly before adding the marinated chicken. This step is crucial for developing deep flavors.
Monitor Liquid Levels: Ensure the rice is well-cooked by covering and checking it after ten minutes. The rice should absorb most of the liquid by this time.
Choose the Right Cheese: Use a mild, good-melting cheese for the topping. It should melt beautifully and become bubbly, adding a cheesy texture and flavor to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is ideal for a family meal or casual gatherings with friends. Serve it directly from the skillet or cast iron pot to the table with an assortment of fresh toppings. This personalized approach makes the meal interactive and fun.
If you like one skillet dinners, you might also enjoy these:
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
One Skillet Cheesy Brazilian Chicken Rice Bake: Recipe Review
The One Skillet Cheesy Brazilian Chicken Rice Bake is an outstanding weeknight meal. The combination of rice drenched in a deliciously spiced sauce, chicken and the melting cheese creates an irresistible flavor. The fresh toppings add a burst of freshness, making each serving customizable. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for busy evenings.
Combine chicken with lime juice, parsley and 1 tablespoon of cilantro. Season with salt and pepper and marinate for 1 hour
2.
Preheat oven to 425 F
3.
In a large oven-proof skillet, or a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until the onions are translucent about 5 minutes. Stir in chicken with the marinade, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric and chili pepper flakes. Cook until the chicken starts to brown, about 5 minutes. Stirring as needed
4.
Stir in rice until combined. Add 3 cups of boiling water, poblano pepper, tomatoes, peas and season with salt and pepper. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for 10 minutes
Remove from the heat, stir in remaining cilantro and sprinkle with cheese. Transfer to the oven and bake without the lid for 10 minutes until the cheese has melted
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