Cracker Barrel Chicken And Rice is a classic American dish served there since the restaurant first opened in 1948.
It is made with pan-browned chicken and white rice and bay leaf, thyme, garlic cloves, salt, pepper, and butter.
The final step is to add tomato sauce before serving. The dish is usually fragrant with spices that give it its distinctive flavor.
How To Make Cracker Barrel Chicken And Rice?
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons of flour for coating the chicken
- 1 tablespoon of parsley, minced
- 1 tablespoon of sage, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the flour with olive oil to coat the chicken thighs.
Step 2: Brown the chicken thighs in a heavy-bottom skillet.
Step 3: Add onion and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Saute until onion is soft and slightly browned, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Dissolve bouillon in water and add thyme leaves, garlic cloves, bay leaf, sage, parsley, and rosemary. Stir in tomato sauce and boil for 10 minutes or till sauce is reduced by 50%.
Step 5: Add chicken thighs, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Toss in the rice and boil until rice is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated. Add salt to taste.
Step 7: Add butter, garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Nutritional Values Of Cracker Barrel Chicken And Rice
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 464 |
| Protein | 59 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 26.1 g |
| Fiber | 3.9 g |
| Sugar | 5.4 g |
| Sodium | 692.6 mg |
6 Exclusive Healthy Nutrition of Cracker Barrel Chicken And Rice
1. Fiber
Cracker Barrel Chicken And Rice contains fiber, a carbohydrate that the human body cannot digest. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and is commonly used as a laxative and bulking agent in food.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water, forming a gel-like material that snares cholesterol and helps to slow glucose absorption after meals. Soluble fiber helps lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, manage weight, and curb appetite.
This can help with weight loss efforts. Constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence are side effects of high-fiber foods.
2. Protein
Protein is a necessary nutrient that helps repair body tissue, maintain organs and produce antibodies. Protein is also needed to form hormones, enzymes, and vitamin D.,
The recommended amount of protein per day, is 46 grams for women and 56 grams for men, according to the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA). Approximately one cup of cooked rice contains about 5 grams of protein, making it a good source of this essential nutrient.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that it is absorbed by the body through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and excreted through waste products.
The body does not store vitamin C, so it should be taken in several forms to ensure robust protection against infections and other diseases.
Scurvy is a disease that occurs when the body does not have enough vitamin C and can lead to severe damage to the skin, muscle tissue, and nerves.
This can even be fatal. The recommended daily intake is 75 milligrams, but most Americans get enough vitamin C in their diets.
4. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays several critical roles in the body, including cell protection and an antioxidant to combat free radicals.
Free radicals lead to the oxidation of cholesterol, which contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries and increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).
According to a study conducted in Britain, a diet rich in vitamin E has been shown to decrease the risk of developing CVD by 15% over a period of 10 years.
Also, a deficiency of vitamin E can cause severe damage to body tissues, leading to anxiety or depression.
5. Iron
Iron is an essential mineral that helps increase hemoglobin production in red blood cells. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs throughout the body and releases it at the capillaries that line the blood vessels.
The recommended intake of iron is 18 milligrams per day for adult men, post-menopausal women, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Iron deficiency (ID) is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies globally.
ID can result in physical weakness, inability to concentrate, and fatigue. A high intake of iron-rich food can cause diarrhea and stomach irritation, so limiting the amount consumed is essential.
6. Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral that helps protect the body from oxidative stress and radiation. It also produces glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that helps eliminate free radicals.
A diet with enough selenium can help decrease the risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and other diseases.
The recommended intake for selenium is 70 micrograms per day for adult men and women. Like iron, consuming too much selenium can be harmful, which is why it’s essential to oversee your intake.
How Can I Serve It?
You can serve it with a salad, pasta or rice.
How To Store It?
Keep the food covered and refrigerated. Please bring it to room temperature before serving.
If you plan on storing for a long time, freeze the cracker barrel chicken and rice in freezer bags or containers. Frozen food should be kept frozen until ready to use. Keep the food away from heat and light to prevent bacteria growth.
Have Any Side Effects Of Cracker Barrel Chicken And Rice?
Cracker Barrel Chicken And Rice contains preservatives, which lead to allergic reactions. People who are allergic to these ingredients might experience hives, swelling, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing after eating the food.
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel Chicken And Rice is very rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and complete food for all ages. The ingredients are natural and do not contain preservatives or artificial colorings.
The only downside is that it has too much sodium. This can be countered by using less salt or rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking it.
We have seen the benefits of Cracker Barrel Chicken And Rice, and we have also seen its side effects.
