This savory shredded chicken dish is simmered in a robust tomato sauce, served with fluffy white rice and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick, wholesome, and full of flavor.
- Perfect for meal prep and family dinners.
- Balanced with protein, carbs, and aromatic spices.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Canned tomatoes (crushed or diced)
- Tomato paste
- Olive oil
- Ground cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Chicken broth
- Cooked white rice
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges
directions
- Sear chicken in olive oil until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic. Add tomato paste, spices, and canned tomatoes.
- Return chicken to the sauce and simmer until tender.
- Shred chicken with forks and stir into the sauce.
- Serve over rice with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Add black beans or corn to the sauce.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a faster version.
- Substitute white rice with quinoa or brown rice.
storage/reheating
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth.
- Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, reduce simmering time and just let it heat through in the sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
It’s mildly spiced; you can increase the heat with chili flakes or jalapeños.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, but cook longer to break them down into a sauce.
What rice pairs best?
White rice, jasmine, or basmati all work well.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer uncovered to reduce liquid, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken.
Should I cover while simmering?
Partially cover to retain moisture while allowing sauce to reduce.
Can I use tomato sauce instead of paste and diced tomatoes?
Yes, but adjust liquid levels and seasoning accordingly.
How do I add more depth of flavor?
A splash of vinegar or a pinch of sugar can balance the acidity.
Can I serve this as tacos?
Yes, the shredded chicken makes a great taco filling or burrito stuffing.
Conclusion
Shredded chicken in tomato sauce with rice is a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or efficient meal prep.
Print
Shredded Chicken in Tomato Sauce with Rice
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry cheesecake bars are a delightful dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet strawberry topping. Easy to slice and serve, perfect for parties or a make-ahead treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for strawberry topping)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream until well combined.
- Pour cheesecake mixture over the baked crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is just set. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, 2 tablespoons sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Cool completely.
- Spread cooled strawberry topping over chilled cheesecake. Slice into bars and serve.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
- Bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Frozen strawberries can be used if fresh aren’t available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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