Sage chicken and rice is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, aromatic sage, and nutritious vegetables with wild rice. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a comforting and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare. The combination of onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and sage creates a fragrant base, while the chicken and rice add substance and texture. The addition of canned chopped tomatoes and a dash of Tabasco sauce provides a subtle tang and a hint of spiciness. Thinly sliced courgettes and diced ham add freshness and depth to the dish. Serve this sage chicken and rice hot for a delicious and wholesome meal that will warm your heart and please your taste buds.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 2 celery sticks, sliced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 sprigs of fresh sage
- 300ml/10fl oz chicken stock
- 350g/12oz skinless chicken breast fillets, cut into 2.5cm/1in cubes
- 225g/8oz wild rice
- 400g/14oz canned chopped plum tomatoes
- Dash of Tabasco sauce
- 2 courgettes, thinly sliced
- 100g/4oz lean ham, diced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large saucepan, put the chopped onion, crushed garlic, sliced celery, diced carrots, and fresh sage. Pour in the chicken stock.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, cover the pan, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir the chicken into the pan with the vegetables. Cover the pan and continue to cook for a further 5 minutes.
- Stir in the wild rice and canned chopped tomatoes.
- Add a dash of Tabasco sauce and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, cover the pan, and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Stir in the thinly sliced courgettes and diced ham.
- Continue to cook, uncovered, for a further 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is just tender.
- Remove and discard the sage sprigs.
- Serve the sage chicken and rice hot.
YIELD: Serves 4
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Use skinless chicken breast fillets to reduce the fat content of the dish.
- Adjust the amount of Tabasco sauce according to your desired level of spiciness.
- Stir the rice occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
- Discard the sage sprigs before serving to avoid consuming tough leaves.
TIPS:
- Serve the sage chicken and rice as a standalone meal or with a side salad for a complete and balanced dinner.
- Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or peas, for added variety and color.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or sage leaves for added freshness and aroma.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and replace it with firm tofu or cooked chickpeas.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
In conclusion, sage chicken and rice is a flavorful and wholesome dish that combines tender chicken, aromatic sage, and nutritious vegetables with wild rice. The blend of ingredients creates a fragrant and hearty meal that is both satisfying and delicious.
By following the preparation steps carefully, you can ensure that the chicken is cooked to perfection and the rice is tender. The combination of onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and sage adds depth and aromatic flavors to the dish, while the canned chopped tomatoes and a dash of Tabasco sauce provide a subtle tang and spiciness.
The thinly sliced courgettes and diced ham add freshness and texture to the sage chicken and rice. Remove the sage sprigs before serving to avoid consuming tough leaves.
Serve this comforting dish hot as a standalone meal or pair it with a side salad for a complete dinner. Customize the dish by incorporating your favorite vegetables and garnishing with fresh herbs for added freshness and aroma.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, sage chicken and rice is a versatile option that will impress. So gather your ingredients, prepare your saucepan, and savor the flavorful and comforting combination of sage, chicken, and rice.
