Spanish Rice

I know it's two days before Christmas, and you are probably expecting more Christmas recipes, but I couldn't wait to share this! This is a great, easy recipe to make with very little effort: perfect for one of the days before Christmas, when you don't have much time!

I've talked before about my not-love of processed foods, but I will admit I love the box mix of Spanish rice. Just to eat, and in my empandas. (Which I just realized I never shared the recipe for... that will come soon!) I kept promising myself that I would try to make it myself, and I finally did!

Overall, if you like the box mix, I think you'll like this! It would be easy to adjust seasonings based on your household's tastes. I started with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, because my little boys don't like too much spice. However, next time, I will definitely add more! 1 tablespoon is fairly light.

I added some cooked, shredded turkey and some cheese to make this a meal!

Enjoy, and have a very merry & blessed Christmas!

Printable Recipe

Spanish Rice

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• ½ cup vermicelli, broken into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 2-3 cups chicken broth, divided
• 15 ounces canned tomatoes (undrained)
• 1-2 tablespoon taco or fiesta seasoning

Directions

1. In a large saucepan or deep skillet, saute rice and vermicelli in butter until golden brown. Stir frequently.
2. Add 2 cups chicken broth, tomatoes, and seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is done. Add more chicken broth as needed.
3. Serve immediately. 

Yield/Time

8 servings

30 minutes

Nutrition Facts

130

Source (for original): n/a

Seasoned Chicken Fingers

I love easy dinners. I get out of work fairly late, so on the nights I work we either need things that have been prepped before (hello, freezer meals!) or things that are easy to make. I stumbled across this on the Tastefully Simple website, and it is a definite hit! It's just a basic breading recipe, but the addition of the different seasonings makes a huge difference in it.

You can use any of your favorite seasonings--I've tried three different TS seasonings so far, because I always have them on hand, but use whatever seasonings you like. If you don't have any on hand, I definitely recommend using something with garlic, and some type of Italian seasoning.

I love making dinners like this. Add some veggies, and you're good. And, best thing: my boys love chicken tenders! I honestly don't make them very often, casseroles are my go-to more often than not, but these are always a hit. Nate prefers the garlic, and boys don't seem to have any preference.

Want to make something like this, but can't decide what flavors to do? Do two! Most recently when I made this, I split the bread crumbs & parmesan in two separate bags. Then, I just added 1 tablespoon of one seasoning to one bag, and the other to the second bag. Once that was done, I just made sure to keep them separated on the pan. (There really wasn't a lot of color difference between the two, so keeping them separated made it easier.)

If you are looking for an easy dinner recipe--enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Seasoned Chicken Fingers

Ingredients

Chicken:

• 1 cup bread crumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Pizzeria, Garlic Garlic, Fiesta Party, or other seasoning
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

Dip (optional):

• 1 tablespoons Pizzeria, Garlic Garlic, Fiesta Party, or other seasoning
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°.
2. Place bread crumbs, parmesan, and 1-2 tablespoons seasoning in a gallon resealable bag. Place beaten eggs in shallow dish.
3. In batches, coat chicken strips with egg and place in bread crumbs; shake to coat. Place on a large greased baking sheet.
4. Bake 15-25 minutes or until internal temperature of chicken reaches 170°. (This will depend on size of strips.)
5. Meanwhile, if desired, combine sour cream, mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon seasoning in a small bowl; serve with chicken fingers.

Yield/Time

8 servings, ¼ of large breast each

40 minutes

Nutrition Facts *I calculate nutrition facts for reference only, this is not done scientifically

170/serving + 60/Tablespoon dip

Source (for original): Tastefully Simple

Remember, comments are loved! What's your favorite way to have chicken?

Tastefully Simple info: If you are interested in making a purchase, you can purchase through my page, or just search and select "Serena Lee" as your consultant. Obviously, if you are not local and already have a consultant.... purchase through them online, or contact them! Shop local, as always! Disclaimer: I am paid a small amount with each purchase, based on sales, made through myself as a consultant. You are helping to support my baking addiction, thank you! ;)