One-pan protein and rice dishes are popular all over the world. From Creole Jambalaya, Cajun Dirty Rice, Spanish Paella, Indian Biryani, Mexican and Puerto Rican Arroz con Pollo, and West African Jollof Rice to Italian Chicken or Clam Risotto – and a whole world of inspiration in between.
The protein and flavorful rice soak up all of the delicious flavors from flavor base, making a nutritious, delicious meal that can’t be beat, and is sure to become a regular on rotation in your home like it is in ours!
Our thanks to February Featured Chef, Kirsten Sandoval for sharing this globally inspired interchangeable dish.
By Chef Kirsten Helle Sandoval, Mesa de Vida
Serves: 4-6 People
USWM Shopping List: Pasture-raised Chicken Thigh Pack | Pasture-raised Chicken Drumsticks | Pasture-raised Chicken Breast | Marrow Bone Broth
Ingredients:
- 4-6 pieces bone-in, skin-on, or skinless chicken pieces (thighs, breast, or legs), or 1 lb diced boneless, skinless chicken, or 1 lb ground protein of your choice
- 2 cups finely diced vegetables of your choice or 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup white rice, rinsed and drained
- 1 bottle Mesa de Vida Caribbean, Creole, Moroccan, Mediterranean or Latin-Inspired Meal Starter Sauce (or substitute 1 5 oz can tomato sauce, ¼ cup water, ¼ onion, ¼ carrot, ¼ bell pepper, 1 garlic clove, 1 tsp fresh lime or lemon juice, and 1-2 Tb of your favorite pre-blended dry seasoning mix blended in a blender until smooth)
- 1-1/2 cup broth or bone broth
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook protein until about 90% cooked through (if using diced or whole chicken pieces), or fully cook (for ground meat) until golden brown.
- Stir in your vegetables and cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat to low.
- Cover with lid, or foil, and cook for 20-25 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Turn off the heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve
This one-pot protein recipe is a burst of flavor and oh-so-easy to make. We found this recipe is perfect for a savory night-in and stores/reheats well. For more recipes by our fantastic Featured Chefs, check out our Discover Blog!
Meet Kirsten Helle Sandoval, the founder and C(hef)EO of Mesa De Vida – a line of globally inspired, healthy meal starter sauces and this month’s USWM Featured Chef. Kirsten’s passion for cooking stems from her decision to take control of her health, which has blossomed into a professional career as a private chef, nutritional consultant to professional athletes, and now a successful business owner. Kirsten is a mother, wife, and lover of merging healthy recipes with globally-inspired flavors, all while keeping an eye on the budget. Kirsten says that with healthy protein and a great sauce, you just cannot go wrong! Make sure to follow Kristen at IG | FB | TikTok
