Italian Chicken and Rice

The finished product!

I was needing something that was different from the normal Chicken and Rice dish, but without all of the crazy preparation that goes with it. So I came up with this simple, yet filling Italian Chicken and Rice dish to satisfy my craving of making something different. This recipe was a hit with almost everyone, except my youngest- who is not the craziest about rice in general. I used fresh ingredients with some store brand Minute Rice ( which is gluten free and costs less than buying the national brand) and chicken to make this outstanding dish. Serve this up with a tossed salad to complete the meal. Here is the recipe!




 Italian Chicken and Rice

3 Carrots- Washed, peeled and sliced into coins
3 Stalks Celery- Finely diced
1 Bunch Green Onion- both green and white parts diced
3 cloves Garlic- Minced
1/2 Green Pepper- Diced
2 handfuls Green Beans
8 Chicken Breast Tenders- Diced
2 Cups Minute Rice
1 cup homemade Italian Dressing ( instructions below)
3 cups Chicken Stock or  Broth
Splash of Olive Oil
2 oz Feta Cheese ( at the end)- If dairy free, omit cheese!

Italian Dressing

1/3 cup Olive Oil
1/3 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1/3 Cup Water
2 Teaspoons Minced Garlic ( 4 small cloves)
4 Teaspoons Italian Seasoning

Pour ingredients into dressing and put in a clean glass jar. Shake well.

Directions:

Add Olive Oil to your pot or pan ( whichever you prefer to cook with) and turn heat to around 8 on your stove. Add veggies and saute until softened. This should take around 5-6 minutes.

While veggies are cooking, dice your chicken to bite sized. I do this to shorten cooking time. Add chicken to veggies along with half of the chicken stock. Allow to cook for about seven minutes or until no longer pink.

Next add your rice, remaining stock and Italian Dressing. Stir well and cover. Allow to boil, then turn heat down to simmer. Let mixture simmer for 10 minutes or until rice is cooked all the way through.

Add Feta and stir. Serve this dish immediately with a tossed salad! Serves 4-6 people!