Blackstone Griddle Mexican Chicken and Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for outdoor cooking on a Blackstone Griddle. This dish combines tender and juicy chicken with fluffy rice, seasoned with a blend of Mexican spices and herbs. The Blackstone Griddle provides the perfect cooking surface to achieve a crispy and caramelized exterior on the chicken, while keeping it moist and flavorful on the inside. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make this mouthwatering dish, along with tips and tricks to ensure success.
Key Takeaways
- Blackstone Griddle Mexican Chicken and Rice is a delicious and easy-to-make dish.
- The ingredients required for this dish include chicken, rice, vegetables, and various seasonings.
- To prepare the chicken, it should be marinated in a mixture of spices and oil for at least 30 minutes.
- Cooking the rice on the Blackstone Griddle adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
- Adding vegetables such as bell peppers and onions enhances the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
Ingredients Required
To make Blackstone Griddle Mexican Chicken and Rice, you will need the following ingredients:
– Chicken breasts or thighs
– Long-grain white rice
– Olive oil
– Onion
– Garlic
– Cumin
– Chili powder
– Paprika
– Salt
– Pepper
– Chicken broth
– Tomato sauce
– Cilantro (optional)
– Lime wedges (for serving)
When selecting the chicken, choose boneless and skinless breasts or thighs for easy cooking and eating. Look for chicken that is fresh and free from any unpleasant odors. For the rice, opt for long-grain white rice as it cooks up fluffy and separate. Avoid using short-grain or sticky rice as it may result in a mushy texture.
Preparing the Chicken
Before cooking the chicken, it is important to prepare it properly. Start by trimming any excess fat or skin from the chicken breasts or thighs. Then, rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help remove any bacteria or impurities from the surface of the chicken.
Next, marinate the chicken to infuse it with flavor. You can use a pre-made marinade or make your own using a combination of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Cooking Rice on the Blackstone Griddle
Cooking rice on the Blackstone Griddle is a great way to achieve a fluffy and flavorful result. Start by heating the griddle to medium-high heat and adding a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add diced onion and minced garlic to the griddle and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
Next, add the rice to the griddle and stir it constantly for a few minutes to toast it slightly. This will help enhance the nutty flavor of the rice. Then, add chicken broth and tomato sauce to the griddle, along with any additional seasonings such as cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
Cover the griddle with a lid or aluminum foil and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid or stirring the rice during this time, as it can disrupt the cooking process and result in unevenly cooked rice.
Seasoning the Chicken
To add flavor to the chicken, you can season it with a variety of spices and herbs. Some popular options include cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. You can also add fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness.
To season the chicken, remove it from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with your desired seasonings, making sure to coat it evenly. You can also drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken to help the seasonings adhere.
Cooking the Chicken on the Blackstone Griddle
Cooking the chicken on the Blackstone Griddle is a simple and straightforward process. Start by preheating the griddle to medium-high heat and adding a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the seasoned chicken on the griddle and let it cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
To achieve a perfect sear on the chicken, avoid moving it around too much once it is placed on the griddle. This will allow it to develop a nice crust and caramelized exterior. Use a spatula or tongs to flip the chicken halfway through cooking.
Combining Rice and Chicken
Once the chicken and rice are cooked, it’s time to combine them to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Start by cutting the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces or slices. Then, add the chicken to the cooked rice on the griddle and stir everything together to combine.
Make sure to mix the chicken and rice thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients. This will help ensure that every bite is packed with flavor. You can also add fresh cilantro or lime juice at this stage for an extra burst of freshness.
Adding Vegetables
To make this dish even more nutritious and flavorful, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, corn, or peas. These vegetables will not only add color and texture to the dish but also provide additional vitamins and minerals.
To add vegetables, simply chop them into small pieces and sauté them on the griddle until they are tender-crisp. Then, add them to the cooked rice and chicken mixture and stir everything together.
Serving Suggestions
Blackstone Griddle Mexican Chicken and Rice can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it as a main dish with a side of beans and tortillas, or as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. You can also top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor and creaminess.
When serving the dish, consider presentation as well. Garnish it with fresh cilantro leaves, lime wedges, or sliced avocado for an attractive and appetizing look. You can also serve it in individual bowls or on a large platter for a family-style meal.
Tips and Tricks
– Make sure to preheat the Blackstone Griddle before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking.
– Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.
– Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.
– If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add diced jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes to the rice and chicken mixture.
– To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice instead of cooking it from scratch on the griddle. Simply heat the rice on the griddle until it is warmed through before adding the chicken and other ingredients.
By following these tips and tricks, you can make the perfect Blackstone Griddle Mexican Chicken and Rice every time. Avoiding common mistakes such as overcooking the chicken or undercooking the rice will ensure that your dish turns out flavorful and delicious. So fire up your Blackstone Griddle and get ready to enjoy this mouthwatering meal!
If you’re a fan of grilling, you’ll love this article on “Grilling in the Rain: Pit Boss Answer” from Cookedly. It’s always a challenge to grill when the weather doesn’t cooperate, but this article provides some helpful tips and tricks for grilling in the rain. Whether you’re using a Blackstone Griddle or any other grill, these tips will ensure that you can still enjoy delicious grilled meals even when it’s pouring outside. Check out the article here for all the details.
FAQs
What is Blackstone Griddle Mexican Chicken and Rice?
Blackstone Griddle Mexican Chicken and Rice is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines chicken, rice, and Mexican-inspired flavors. It is cooked on a Blackstone griddle, which is a flat-top cooking surface that allows for even heat distribution and easy cooking.
What ingredients are needed to make Blackstone Griddle Mexican Chicken and Rice?
The ingredients needed to make Blackstone Griddle Mexican Chicken and Rice include chicken breasts, rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
How is Blackstone Griddle Mexican Chicken and Rice cooked?
Blackstone Griddle Mexican Chicken and Rice is cooked on a Blackstone griddle. The chicken is first cooked on the griddle until it is browned and cooked through. Then, the rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper are added to the griddle and cooked until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together.
What are some tips for making Blackstone Griddle Mexican Chicken and Rice?
Some tips for making Blackstone Griddle Mexican Chicken and Rice include using a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature, using a high-quality chicken broth for added flavor, and adjusting the seasoning to taste.
Is Blackstone Griddle Mexican Chicken and Rice a healthy dish?
Blackstone Griddle Mexican Chicken and Rice can be a healthy dish if made with lean chicken breasts and brown rice. It is also high in protein and fiber from the chicken, beans, and rice. However, the dish can be high in sodium if using a store-bought chicken broth, so it is important to choose a low-sodium option or make your own broth.