Hey foodies! Banish your old method of cooking rice in water and try a new version of cooking rice in chicken broth instead of water. Yes! You heard it right: we can cook rice in chicken broth. In fact, using chicken broth instead of water elevates the flavor to new heights. Cooking rice to perfection is an essential culinary skill whether you’re using a rice cooker, stovetop, or oven to prepare this delicious recipe. In this article, we will discover how to cook rice in chicken broth using white and brown rice, along with tips and methods to enhance the flavors of this savory dish.
Choosing the Right Types of Rice
Before starting an easy recipe for rice in chicken broth, it’s necessary to understand the several types of rice. The two common and most popular types of rice are brown rice and white rice. Each has different characteristics and cooking requirements.
White Rice
This is the most commonly used rice. It’s processed to remove the husk, bran, and germ, resulting in a softer texture and quicker cooking time. Cook white rice with chicken broth to create a tasty and fluffy meal.
Long Grain Rice
This includes varieties like Basmati Rice and Jasmine, which are known for their long grains and aromatic properties. Long-grain rice is perfect for pilafs and side dishes.
Brown Rice
Brown Rice is a whole-grain rice with the bran and germ intact, making it more nutritious but also longer to cook. Cook brown rice in chicken broth for a hearty and healthy option.
Ingredients To Cook Rice In Chicken Broth
The following ingredients are required to cook a delicious rice recipe with chicken broth.
- 1 cup of white rice or long-grain brown rice
- 2 cups of chicken broth (Store-bought or Homemade chicken Broth)
- 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil (optional)
- Salt to taste
Cook Rice in Chicken Broth: Stovetop Method
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow the step-by-step instructions to cook rice to perfection.
Rinse the Rice
Rinse a cup of long-grain brown or white rice under cold water. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier cooked rice.
Heat the broth
Heat two cups of chicken broth in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until it boils.
Add Rice
Add the rinsed rice to the boiling chicken broth. Brown rice requires more time to cook than white rice.
Simmer and Cover
Lower the heat to a simmer, place a lid on the pan, and allow the rice to cook. The cooking time for white rice is approximately 15 to 20 minutes, and for long-grain brown rice, it will take about 40 to 45 minutes.
Rest the Rice
Once the rice is tender and has absorbed all the chicken broth, remove it from heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. This lets the rice finish cooking in the steam.
Fluff and Serve
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
Cooking Rice in Chicken Broth: Oven Method
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow the step-by-step method for a perfect plate of cooked rice.
Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rinse the Rice
Pour a cup of cold water over long-grain brown or white rice.
Combine the ingredients
Add rinsed rice, two cups chicken broth, one tablespoon of olive oil or butter(optional), and a pinch of salt to a baking dish.
Cover and Bake
Wrap aluminum foil tightly over the baking dish and bake it in the preheated oven. The cooking time for white rice is 25 to 30 minutes, and for long-grain brown rice, it will take 50 to 55 minutes.
Rest and Fluff
After baking, let the rice sit, covered, for about 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Cooking Rice in Chicken Broth: Rice Cooker Method
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow the rice cooker instructions manual to cook rice to perfection.
Rinse the rice
Rinse one cup of long-grain brown or white rice in cold water.
Add Ingredients to Rice Cooker
In cooker add two cups of chicken broth along with the rinsed rice. Add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil and a pinch of salt if you prefer.
Start the cooker
Switch on the rice cooker and close the lid. Choose the regular or white rice option. If the option is available, select the brown rice setting for brown rice.
Fluff and Serve
Once the rice cooker completes its cycle, let the rice sit for a few minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve.
Tips and Variations
Seasoning
Before cooking, add chopped onions, minced garlic, or herbs like parsley or thyme to the chicken stock to enhance the flavor.
Vegetable Add-ins
To make a whole one-pot supper, mix some peas, carrots, or corn with the rice.
Protein Boost
After the rice has cooked, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier dish.
Herb-Infused Brown Rice with Chicken Broth
Brown rice is a nutritious and versatile grain that pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of chicken broth. Cooking brown rice in chicken broth adds more nutrients and a delicious flavor. This recipe uses fresh herbs to add an aromatic depth to long-grain brown rice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice
- 2 cups chicken broth 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon salt one teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Rinse the rice to remove extra starch, rinse one cup of long-grain brown rice in cold water.
- Add the butter or olive oil to a medium saucepan and place over medium-high heat to sauté the aromatics.
- Once heated through, add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed rice into the saucepan and stir to distribute the oil and herbs evenly throughout the rice.
- Add one teaspoon of salt and two cups of chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Increase the heat to high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- After the rice begins to boil, turn the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 40 to 45 minutes, or until it is soft and has absorbed all the broth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. Before serving, use a fork to fluff the rice.
Serving Suggestions
This herb-infused brown rice is a tasty and nutritious side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted veggies.
Cooking White Rice in Chicken Broth
One easy technique to give your white rice a deep, delicious flavor is to cook it in chicken broth. The process is simple, whether using the stovetop, oven, or a rice cooker. Here’s a thorough tutorial on cooking white rice in chicken broth that produces great results.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (optional)
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Rinse the rice
Wash one cup of white rice in cold water. This makes cooked rice fluffier by removing extra starch.
Heat the broth
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add Rice
Add the rinsed rice to the boiling chicken broth.
Cover and simmer
Let the rice cook in the pot with the lid on and the heat down to low. The cooking time for white rice is about 15-20 minutes.
Rest the Rice
Once the rice is tender and has absorbed all the chicken broth, remove it from heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice.
Fluff and Serve
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
Conclusion
Cooking rice in chicken broth instead of water allows you to indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of broth infused with white and brown rice. By following these methods and tips, you’ll master cooking rice in chicken broth and enjoy the rich, savory flavors it brings to your meals. Whether you prefer white or brown rice, using chicken broth transforms a simple staple into a standout dish.