Pan-Seared Chicken with Zucchini in Gravy

Two nights ago I got the hankering for some soulful chicken and gravy with rice. Luckily, I had two friends over who became hungry as the onions and garlic started searing in the pan. This meal doesn't take long to prepare and is pretty well-rounded as far as food groups go. I apologize for the lack of photos on this recipe.

Prep time: Around 10 mins
Cook time:  20-30 mins

You will need:
-1 pot to cook rice (or rice cooker for the cheaters out there!)
-1 saucepan for the chicken 
-1 saucepan for the zucchini (unless you want to throw it on top of the chicken to steam when the chicken is almost done cooking as I do for less clean-up)
- 1 pot for gravy


Ingredients: 
-2-4 Chicken Breasts (I like boneless/skinless, but get whichever you like best)
-1/2 onion 
-3 cloves of fresh garlic
-1 whole zucchini
-Caldo de Pollo (chicken bouillon), or any seasoning salt will work
-pepper
-2 cups rice (white or brown)
-1 tbsp. butter
-2 tbsp. olive oil
- About 1 cup flour

1) Wash chicken breasts in cold water and place on a plate for seasoning.
2) Add Caldo de Pollo and Pepper to both sides of the chicken (I tend to over-season for more flavor).
3) Heat saucepan to medium-high and add olive oil, chopped onion and chopped garlic.
4) Cook onions and garlic for about two minutes, then place chicken breasts in the saucepan to cook. Cover with a fitted lid.
[fun tip: add some big strands of rosemary on top of the chicken for a nice herbal flavor]
5) Start boiling water for your rice, as it will take about 20 mins to cook. (I will add rice cooking instructions at the bottom in case anyone doesn't know how to make the perfect rice on the stove top).
6) Chop zucchini into medallions (thicker circles) and season them if you wish.
7) When the chicken breasts look to be searing to a nice golden color on one side, flip them over.
8) When the chicken is cooked on both sides but not done yet, toss-in the zucchini and cover the pan with a lid to steam them. (or cook them in separate pan if you please)
9) Use drippings from chicken and zucchini to make gravy by pouring it into a pot with a little water ( about a cup or two) and bring it to a boil.
10) When gravy is boiling, slowly whisk-in flour small amounts at a time until blended-in completely.
11) Continue to boil and whisk gravy until it is nice and thick and delicious.
[If you don't want to bother with making the gravy from scratch, simply buy a packet of chicken gravy from the store and follow those directions]


The Perfect Rice:

For those who don't know, the proper ratio for sticky white rice is 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water.

1) boil water on stovetop with a teaspoon of salt.
2) Once water is boiling, add-in rice and continue to boil for 2-3 minutes while stirring.
3) add-in 1 tbsp. butter.
4) Cover rice, turn heat to LOW, and set timer for 20 mins.
DO NOT OPEN THE LID UNTIL IT IS DONE COOKING!
5) After 20 mins your rice should be perfect. If it is still watery, remove lid and allow remaining water to cook off.

I hope you enjoy this meal! Also, you can always add whatever spices or sauces you wish to make this a more enjoyable dinner experience. Instead of zucchini try squash, green beans, Brussels sprouts or any other veggie.

Cheers, Foodies!