Chicken and Rice

Topped off with grated cotija cheese offers a unique touch to a very popular dish in many Latin American countries.

Recipe Ingredients:

3 pounds chicken pieces, skin removed
Salt and ground black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil - divided use
1 large onion, chopped
1 large tomato, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
2 cups water
2 large carrots, sliced
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup pimiento-stuffed green olives, cut in half
1 tablespoon MAGGI Granulated Chicken Flavor Bouillon
1 cup loose pack frozen peas
2 tablespoons grated cotija or Parmesan cheese

Cooking Directions:

1. Sprinkle chicken with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet; keep warm.
2. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in skillet. Add onion, tomato and garlic; cook for 2 minutes or until onion is tender. Add rice; cook for 2 minutes. Add water, carrots, bell pepper, olives and bouillon. Bring to a boil. Place chicken pieces over rice mixture.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover. Cook for 10 minutes. Stir in peas. Cook, stirring once during cooking time, for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Sprinkle with cheese before serving.

Makes 6 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/6 of recipe): Calories: 520 Calories from Fat: 80 Total Fat: 9 g Saturated Fat: 2 g Cholesterol: 135 mg Sodium: 570 mg Carbohydrates: 49 g Dietary Fiber: 4 g Sugars: 6 g Protein: 59 g.

Recipe and photograph are the property of Nestlé® and Meals.com, used with permission.