Indulge in the culinary symphony of flavors with our signature Chad Riz Gras recipe. Combining the rich heritage of Cajun cuisine with a modern twist, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of Louisiana. Chad Riz Gras, a dish deeply rooted in tradition, marries succulent chicken, aromatic spices, and the creamy richness of rice, creating a harmony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving for more. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a culinary enthusiast, join us on a gastronomic journey as we unravel the secrets behind this delectable masterpiece.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

4- Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

5- Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the vegetable and spice mixture.

6- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

7- Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the rice and vegetable mixture.

8- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the Chad Riz Gras simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

9- Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.

10- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.

Enjoy your flavorful Chad Riz Gras, a comforting dish that brings together the heartiness of meat, the richness of tomatoes, and the comforting warmth of rice in every bite!

Nutritional Values:

Here's the approximate nutritional information for the ingredients used in the Chad Riz Gras recipe:

Chicken Thighs (1 lb / 450g, boneless and skinless):

• Calories: 780 kcal
• Protein: 86 g
• Fat: 48 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:Rich in protein, vitamins B6 and B12, as well as minerals like iron and zinc, chicken thighs provide essential nutrients for muscle health, energy production, and immune function.

Onion (1 medium, finely chopped):

• Calories: 44 kcal
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g

benefits: Onions are packed with antioxidants, vitamins C and B6, and dietary fiber, offering benefits such as improved heart health, immune support, and potential anti-inflammatory effects.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits: Garlic is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also contains compounds like allicin, which may help reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure, as well as antioxidants that support overall health.

Bell Pepper (1 medium, diced):

• Calories: 24 kcal
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g

benefits: Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants like beta-carotene and capsanthin, which promote eye health, boost immunity, and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Celery (1 stalk, diced):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 1 g

benefits: Celery is low in calories and high in fiber, making it beneficial for digestion and weight management. It also contains vitamins K and C, as well as antioxidants that may help lower inflammation.

Long-Grain White Rice (1 cup / 200g):

• Calories: 716 kcal
• Protein: 12 g
• Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 158 g
• Fiber: 2 g

benefits: While white rice is primarily a source of carbohydrates, it also provides energy and contains small amounts of protein and essential nutrients like thiamine and niacin, which are important for metabolism.

Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz / 400g):

• Calories: 84 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g

benefits: Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which may reduce the risk of certain cancers and promote heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Chicken Broth (2 cups / 480ml):

• Nutritional values can vary significantly depending on the brand and whether it's homemade or store-bought. Typically low in calories and fat, with some protein and carbohydrate content.

benefits: Chicken broth is hydrating and may help soothe sore throats and respiratory infections. It also contains protein, vitamins, and minerals extracted from the chicken bones and vegetables used in its preparation.

Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g

benefits: Tomato paste is a concentrated source of lycopene and other antioxidants found in tomatoes, offering similar health benefits such as reduced inflammation and protection against chronic diseases.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 238 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 27 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits: Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, which can improve heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol levels. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 1 g

benefits: Paprika contains vitamin A, vitamin E, and capsaicin, a compound that may boost metabolism, reduce appetite, and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Cayenne Pepper (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits: Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which can aid digestion, relieve pain, and may have metabolism-boosting effects. It also provides vitamins A, E, and C.

Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 1 g

benefits: Thyme contains antioxidants and compounds with antimicrobial properties, which may help fight infections, support respiratory health, and reduce inflammation.

Salt and Black Pepper (to taste):

• Negligible calories, typically not counted in nutritional calculations.

benefits: While primarily used for flavoring, salt provides essential electrolytes like sodium and chloride, while black pepper contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption.

Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional for garnish):

• Negligible calories, typically not counted in nutritional calculations.

benefits: Parsley is rich in vitamins K, C, and A, as well as antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids, offering benefits such as improved bone health, immune support, and detoxification.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, preparation method, and specific ingredients used.