This Chicken Bog is a comforting one-pot meal. It combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a mix of spices, making it perfect for cozy family dinners!
You’ll love how easy it is to make. Just cook everything together, and you get a warm, hearty dish that feels like a big hug on a plate. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless skinless chicken thighs for their juicy texture. If you prefer, chicken breast works well too, but it may be a bit drier. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time!
Rice: Long grain white rice is the classic choice, but you could try jasmine or basmati rice for a bit of a different flavor. Just remember that cooking times may vary with different types of rice.
Smoked Sausage: Kielbasa or Andouille sausage adds great flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage is a perfect substitute. For a vegetarian twist, omit it entirely or use plant-based sausage.
Broth: Chicken broth adds richness, but vegetable broth is an excellent substitute if you want it to be vegetarian. Homemade broth will also enhance the flavor, so consider making some if you have time!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor From the Vegetables?
Getting maximum flavor from your veggies is all about the sautéing technique. Start by heating your pot and adding butter or oil before the onions, celery, and carrots go in. This allows them to soften and develop sweetness.
- Sauté the vegetables over medium heat until they are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Adding garlic and sausage next builds layers of flavor. Cook them together until fragrant.
Don’t rush this step! Each ingredient needs time to release its flavors into the dish, making your Chicken Bog even tastier.
Chicken Bog Recipe
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast), cut into chunks
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 4 ounces smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or Andouille), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Hot sauce
Time Needed
This Chicken Bog recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll be enjoying this delicious meal in around 40 minutes!
Detailed Instructions
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter or oil over medium heat. Add in your diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté these vegetables until they become softened, about 5 minutes. This step builds a lovely base for your dish!
2. Adding Flavor:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and slices of smoked sausage. Cook this mixture for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the sausage to begin browning and the garlic to release its delicious aroma.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Now it’s time to add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook these until they are lightly browned on all sides, around 5 minutes. This step helps lock in the flavors.
4. Bringing It All Together:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the rinsed rice, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and black pepper.
5. Simmering:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The dish is ready when the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. You want a moist, stew-like consistency.
6. Final Touches:
Once cooked, taste your Chicken Bog and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serving:
Serve your Chicken Bog hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a splash of hot sauce if you like a little kick. Enjoy this hearty and comforting meal!
Bon Appétit!
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Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless skinless chicken thighs are best for their flavor and juiciness, you can also use chicken breast. Just be careful not to overcook it to prevent drying out. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great option too—just add it towards the end to heat through!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the mixture.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make Chicken Bog in a slow cooker! Brown the sausage and chicken first in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken and rice are tender.
What Can I Use Instead of Smoked Sausage?
If you prefer not to use smoked sausage, turkey sausage is a lighter alternative. You can also simply omit it for a vegetarian version or use plant-based sausage for a similar flavor boost!
