Chicken and Black Rice Recipe

Healthy Chicken and Black Rice Recipe 

Are you looking for a meal that is both healthy and delicious?  Look no further than this chicken and black rice recipe!  Not only is it easy to prepare, but it is also packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor.  

I have been experimenting in my kitchen again.  When I think about kitchen renovations, maybe we should set up beakers, a pot burner, a science lab table, the works for my "science" experiments.  Hey, I entertain myself, what fun would life be without entertaining ourselves?

In all seriousness, this chicken and black rice recipe is visually a yummy delight with it's bright colored zucchini tossed with the black rice.  The chicken is perfectly seasoned with the hint of  smokiness from the paprika, and the vegetables add a bit of sweet to this dish.  I will be making this one again, and again.  So delicious!  

Chicken and Black Rice Recipe        

1. 4 chicken breasts
2. 2 c black rice, cooked per instructions on packaging 
3. 1 onion, chopped
4. 1 green pepper, chopped
5. 1 package of mushrooms, sliced
6. 1 small zucchini 
7. 2 T Worcestershire sauce
8. 2 t garlic powder
9. 1 t onion powder
10. 1 t smoked paprika
11. 1 t minced garlic 

• Tenderize chicken, I have found this is what is working best for chicken these days (you can choose to skip this step, but this is my preferred method when making chicken)
• Place chicken breasts into skillet, lightly coated with olive oil
• Add onion, green pepper
• Cook pepper and onion down, while turning chicken every 3 minutes until fully cooked
• Add in mushrooms and zucchini and spices
• Add black rice
• Stir well
• Place splatter lid onto skillet and let simmer for 20 minutes letting all of the ingredients meld together
• Serve

I always make more than we need so I do not need to cook every night.  We actually like leftovers around here... honestly cooking every night of the week does not excite me so I began this trick early on in our marriage.  

If you have not yet tried black rice, I will tell you that it has quickly become my favorite rice.  It has an earthy flavor all of it's own and has pared well with anything I have served with it.  

Some things to know about black rice:

• Whatever you are making with black rice will pick up the natural coloring from the black rice.
• If you look closely at the chicken breasts, you will see they have an almost blackish brown coloring to them, this is due to the rice
• When you make black rice, your water will turn black, this is perfectly normal
• Since I added the mushrooms and zucchini last, they did not have time to absorb as much of the coloring of the black rice

Other info about black rice that I have found:

• Black rice is the healthiest variety of rice
• Black rice is grown in rice paddies like other types of rice
• Black rice has a high fiber content, meaning it is digested more slowly than white rice which also means it is great for us consuming a low glycemic diet
• It can be consumed by individuals who also have diabetes, it's glycemic index is 42.3, being low on the index 
• Black rice is a good source of iron, protein and high in antioxidants

So the next time you're in the mood for a healthy and flavorful meal, give this chicken and black rice recipe a try.  Your taste buds and body will thank you!

Ciao,

Cara

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