Jalapeno Popper Chicken One Pot Meal: A Nourishing Twist on a Classic Favorite
Allow me to share a tidbit from my journey—I once embraced the late-night allure of bars, reveling in their bar food offerings. But time brings change, and now in my forties, my focus has shifted from bars to embracing cannabis, Netflix binges, and foods that fuel my body. Gone are the days of indulgence, replaced with a desire for nourishment. In this culinary evolution, I've crafted a dish that marries the essence of a beloved classic with the goodness my body craves—introducing the Jalapeno Popper Chicken One Pot Meal.
A Flavorful Reunion of Old and New This dinner creation holds a special place in my heart, and it's the perfect companion for a relaxed evening—a joint, a glass of wine, or just some refreshing water. The beauty lies in its simplicity; browning the chicken is perhaps the most demanding task. For those seeking convenience, precooked chicken is your ally, freeing you to begin at step 2 and expedite your journey to satisfaction.
Customization That Suits Your Palate Do spicy flavors pique your interest? Embrace the jalapenos in all their fiery glory, but if heat isn't your thing, consider mild canned jalapenos or green chiles to keep the essence without the intensity.
Versatility on Your Plate As for the grains that anchor this dish, frozen rice—be it brown or white—is a reliable choice. Don't fret if your freezer isn't stocked; pre-cooked rice or an array of other grains like bulgur or farro can effortlessly fill the role. Adapting to your preferences is key.
Veggies That Elevate Frozen vegetables weave seamlessly into the tapestry of this dish. Mixed vegetables offer a balanced medley, but the canvas is open for you to explore—broccoli, cauliflower, green beans—the choice is yours, painting a picture of flavor and texture that resonates with you.
The Irreplaceable Ingredient While flexibility reigns, one element stands unwavering—the white miso. Its role is pivotal; a dash of umami, a hint of depth. It's that secret ingredient that transforms this swift creation into a masterpiece that tastes as though hours were invested. The white miso adds the "oomph" that elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Its presence is non-negotiable; it's your culinary ally in this flavorful journey.
Creating Nostalgia and Nourishment In the spirit of transformation, I present the Jalapeno Popper Chicken One Pot Meal—a fusion of cherished memories and newfound nourishment. As the aromas fill your kitchen, as you savor each bite, you'll discover that embracing change doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. It's a culinary adventure where classic meets contemporary, where nourishment is paramount, and indulgence finds a new definition. Join me in celebrating the flavors of the past and the vitality of the present, one delicious bite at a time. #NourishingNostalgia #CulinaryEvolution #FlavorfulJourney
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Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Chicken breasts cut into one-inch pieces
- Onion finely chopped
- Canned jalapeños not pickled, chopped with juice reserved
- Garlic cloves, finely minced
- Filtered Water
- 8 oz cream cheese - I prefer lactose free by Green Valley Organics
- White miso
- 20 oz bag frozen brown rice
- 16 oz bag mixed vegetables
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- In a large pan with a tight-fitting lid, add the olive oil over medium-high heat and let heat for 1 minute. Add your chicken, leaving room between pieces for air to release, and cook for about 4 minutes until it has lightly browned. You may need to cook chicken in batches.
- Add the onions, stir into chicken, and cook for 2 minutes until the onion has softened. Add the chopped jalapenos and garlic, stir and cook until garlic becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Push chicken to one side of the pan and add a ½ cup of water, then add the cream cheese and miso, stir to combine, and make your sauce. Mix into the chicken until well combined and a sauce has been created.
- Add the brown rice and frozen vegetables, mix into sauce and the remaining ¼ cup of water, and turn the heat down to low.
- Cook on low for 10 minutes, until the rice and vegetables have heated, the chicken has cooked through, and the sauce has thickened.
Substitutions
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs or even tofu squares for a vegetarian twist.
- Experiment with different cheese options like cheddar or pepper jack for varied richness.
- Feel free to explore various vegetables based on your preferences or what's available.
Variations
- Elevate the heat with extra jalapeños or incorporate other peppers for a unique twist.
- Infuse a smoky note by using smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
- Enhance the dish with a dash of fresh lime juice for a citrusy zing.
Equipment
- A large pan with a tight-fitting lid: The heart of the one-pot wonder.
- A trusty knife and cutting board: Your allies in chopping and dicing ingredients.
- A stirring spoon: For orchestrating the flavors to perfection.
Storage
Once your one pot masterpiece is complete, savor the moment by indulging in this dish immediately. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or you can freeze them for future enjoyment. Reheat with care to retain the integrity of flavors.
Top tip
For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider topping the finished dish with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs. These additions will add a delightful crunch and savory richness to each mouthful.
One Pot Jalapeño Popper Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- 2 one pot, stovetop
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts cut into one-inch pieces
- ½ onion finely chopped
- 1 can jalapeños not pickled, chopped with juice reserved
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 cup water halved
- 8 oz cream cheese - I prefer lactose free by Green Valley Organics
- 2 tablespoons white miso
- 1 20 oz bag frozen brown rice
- 1 16 oz bag mixed vegetables
Instructions
- In a large pan with a tight-fitting lid, add the olive oil over medium-high heat and let heat for 1 minute. Add your chicken, leaving room between pieces for air to release, and cook for about 4 minutes until it has lightly browned. You may need to cook chicken in batches.
- Add the onions, stir into chicken, and cook for 2 minutes until the onion has softened. Add the chopped jalapenos and garlic, stir and cook until garlic becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Push chicken to one side of the pan and add a ½ cup of water, then add the cream cheese and miso, stir to combine, and make your sauce. Mix into the chicken until well combined and a sauce has been created.
- Add the brown rice and frozen vegetables, mix into sauce and the remaining ¼ cup of water, and turn the heat down to low.
- Cook on low for 10 minutes, until the rice and vegetables have heated, the chicken has cooked through, and the sauce has thickened.
Video
FAQ
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for frozen brown rice, you can easily substitute it with cooked white rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Just ensure that the substitution won't affect the cooking time and consistency.
Certainly! The heat from the jalapeños can be adjusted according to your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chopped jalapeños or omit them altogether. If you're a heat-seeker, feel free to add more for an extra kick.
Absolutely. This one-pot meal can be prepared in advance and reheated for convenience. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, consider adding a splash of water or broth to help maintain the creamy consistency of the sauce.
Yes, you can substitute traditional cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative such as almond or cashew-based cream cheese. This will make the dish suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dietary restrictions. Just ensure the dairy-free cream cheese has a similar consistency for a creamy and delicious result.
Absolutely, you can use fresh jalapeños instead of canned ones. Just remember that fresh jalapeños might vary in heat level, so you can adjust the quantity according to your spice preference. Be sure to remove the seeds and membranes for a milder heat.
The white miso adds a rich umami flavor to the dish that enhances its overall taste. While it's a key ingredient in creating the velvety sauce, if you don't have white miso on hand, you can substitute it with a bouillon.
While this recipe is designed as a quick one-pot meal, you can certainly adapt it for a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic before transferring everything to a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld together.
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Food safety
We sometimes take for a granted that we have years (or decades) of cooking experience, that the average visitor may not. Add to, or remove from, the list below with health and safety tips.
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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