Are you thrilled when a waiter brings a hot, sizzling plate of food to your table? The excitement is palpable, especially when it is headed your way! Sizzlers, which gained popularity in Japan before traveling to America and France, are a perfect blend of crispy exteriors and moist interiors. The dish is placed on a hot plate and continues cooking for just a few minutes after the burner is turned off. While sizzlers are often associated with restaurants, you can easily make this delightful dish at home. With or without a sizzler tray or iron skillet, this recipe will guide you through creating a delicious Chicken Sizzler right in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Chicken Sizzler
Servings: 4
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1/4 cup onion
- 5 cabbage leaves
- 1/2 cup green capsicum (bell pepper)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/3 cup mushrooms
- 1 tomato
- 1 tablespoon garlic
- Black pepper as required
- 2 green chilies
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons virgin olive oil
- Salt as required
- 1 carrot
- 1/2 cup water
Step-by-Step Preparation
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Step 1: Soak the Rice and Marinate the Chicken:
Start by washing and soaking the rice in water for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the chicken breasts. Cut each breast into two pieces and gently pound them until they are slightly flatter. Marinate the chicken with lemon juice, black pepper, red chili powder, and salt. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
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Step 2: Cook the Rice and Sauté the Vegetables:
While the chicken is marinating, cook the rice. Use 1 1/2 cups of water for 1/2 cup of rice and bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for 10 minutes until fully cooked. Meanwhile, preheat a pan and add some oil to it. Sauté the garlic until it is fragrant, then add the thickly diced bell peppers and capsicum. Cook them over high heat for a few minutes, or until they start to brown. Add some pepper and salt to taste.
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Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables:
Prepare the remaining vegetables by slicing the onions, chopping the cabbage leaves, and dicing the tomato. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan, add the garlic, and cook until fragrant. When the onions are transparent, add them and fry. Add the mushrooms and cook for a few more minutes until they are soft. Finally, add the cabbage leaves and cook until they are wilted but still slightly crunchy.
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Step 4: Cook the Chicken:
In a pan, heat the oil over a medium-high flame. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook them thoroughly on all sides for about 5-10 minutes. Ensure that the chicken is well-cooked, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. After cooking, take the chicken out from the pan and let it cool for a few minutes.
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Step 5: Assemble and Serve:
Assemble the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, and cooked chicken on a hot platter or iron skillet. This will keep the dish sizzling as you serve it. Garnish with green chilies and a drizzle of lemon juice for an added burst of flavor. Serve the Chicken Sizzler immediately, enjoying the sizzling sound and the tantalizing aroma.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Sizzler
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Choose the Right Pan:
For the best results, use a heavy-bottomed pan or an iron skillet. These types of cookware retain heat well and ensure that your sizzler stays hot and continues to cook slightly even after being taken off the heat.
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Marinating the Chicken:
Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes is crucial. The lemon juice, black pepper, and chili powder penetrate the meat, infusing it with flavor and helping to tenderize it. For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
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Sautéing Vegetables:
You need to use a high flame while cooking vegetables. This technique helps to char the vegetables slightly, adding a smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients. The veggies should still have some crunch, so take care not to overcook them.
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Assembling the Sizzler:
Assembling the components on a hot platter ensures that the dish remains sizzling when served. If you don’t have a sizzler tray, a heavy-bottomed pan or cast-iron skillet will work just as well. The key is to serve the dish immediately after assembling to keep the sizzle and the flavors intact.
Nutritional Information
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Caloric Content:
A serving of Chicken Sizzler contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the specific quantities and types of vegetables used. This dish provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
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Health Benefits:
Chicken Breast: A great source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, cabbage, and carrots are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting overall health and well-being.
Olive Oil: A healthy fat that provides essential fatty acids and helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Conclusion
The Chicken Sizzler is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of marinated chicken, sautéed vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice. With a sizzling presentation and an irresistible aroma, it’s a dish that will impress your family and friends. Follow this recipe to create a restaurant-quality sizzler at home, and enjoy the blend of crispy exteriors and moist interiors that make this dish so special. Whether for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, the Chicken Sizzler is sure to be a hit.
