Rehydrating Chicken And Rice: Meal Prep Tricks

Chicken and rice is a popular meal-prep choice, offering a tasty, healthy, and cost-effective option for lunches and dinners throughout the week. The dish can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary requirements, with options to swap white rice for cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or Konjac rice, and the ability to switch up the seasoning on the chicken. When it comes to rehydrating chicken and rice, there are a few methods to consider. One option is to sprinkle a few drops of water on the rice and microwave it for 1-2 minutes, or until it is steaming. Another method is to use an insulating cozy, combining all ingredients with water in a pot and soaking for 5 minutes before bringing to a boil for one minute and transferring to an insulating cozy for 15 minutes.

Rehydrating rice with boiled water

One method is to bring 2 to 2.5 cups of water to a boil, add 1 cup of rice, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. The time required for this method will vary depending on the type of rice used.

Another method is to bring 1 cup of water to a boil, add 2/3 cup of dehydrated rice, and turn off the heat. Keep the pot covered and let it rest for 12 to 15 minutes until the rice is soft and has absorbed all the water. If the rice is still crunchy but all the water has been absorbed, add a little more water and wait. If there is excess water after the rice is ready, either drain it or wait for it to be absorbed.

It is also possible to rehydrate rice by pouring near-boiling water over a small scoop of rice, covering it, and letting it sit for 20 minutes. If the rice is still crunchy after this time, let it sit for another 10 minutes.

When rehydrating rice, it is important to remember that the flavours will concentrate, so be mindful of any additional salt or seasonings that are added. It is also recommended to err on the side of slightly overcooked rice rather than undercooked when preparing it for rehydration.

Adding an ice cube to rice when reheating

When it comes to meal prepping, chicken and rice is a popular choice for a quick, tasty, and healthy option. However, reheating rice can sometimes result in dry and stale leftovers. A simple hack to combat this is to add an ice cube when reheating rice in the microwave.

This method involves placing an ice cube on top of the leftover rice and microwaving it for about a minute. The rice grains, which contain water, heat up in the microwave, and this warmth is transferred to the surface of the ice cube, melting it slightly. The liquid water released from the melting ice is then boiled by the microwave, turning it into steam that evenly rehydrates the rice. This eliminates the guesswork of how much water to add when reheating, preventing the rice from becoming soggy.

The ice cube hack is a fun and effective way to ensure perfectly steamed rice that tastes freshly cooked. It is especially useful for meal preppers as it helps to maintain the desired texture and flavour of the rice, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Additionally, this method can be applied to various types of rice, such as jasmine rice, to achieve desirable results. It is important to note that while this hack works best with properly stored rice, even when the rice is not stored optimally, the ice cube trick can still be employed to improve the texture and taste of leftover rice.

In conclusion, adding an ice cube when reheating rice in the microwave is a clever solution to the common problem of dry and stale leftovers. It is a simple yet effective technique that can elevate the taste and quality of meal-prepped chicken and rice dishes, making them enjoyable throughout the week.

Using beef, chicken or vegetable broth

Rehydrating chicken and rice is a great way to prepare a tasty and healthy meal. Using beef, chicken or vegetable broth is an excellent way to add flavour and moisture to your meal prep. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving delicious results:

Choosing the Right Chicken

Select a large chicken to ensure you have ample meat, but avoid an extra-large bird to prevent excessive fat. Skin and trim any visible fat from the chicken before cooking.

Cooking the Chicken

Steam the chicken for an hour until it is tender and falls apart easily. You can add seasoning salt or soy sauce for an Asian flavour. Pull the meat apart into small pieces, and it is ready for dehydration.

Dehydrating the Chicken

Set your dehydrator to 145°-155°F and place the chicken pieces inside. The dehydration time will vary depending on the model of your dehydrator. Dehydrated chicken can be stored for a long time and is perfect for backpacking meals.

Rehydrating the Chicken

Slice or shred the dehydrated chicken into bite-sized pieces. Warm some broth over medium heat, ensuring it does not boil. Place the chicken pieces in the pan and coat them with the broth. Be careful not to use too much broth, as you don't want to end up with soup. This method will infuse moisture and flavour back into the chicken.

Cooking the Rice

When cooking rice for dehydration, it is best to use beef, chicken, or vegetable broth instead of plain water. Bring 2 to 2½ cups of broth to a boil, then stir in 1 cup of rice. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until all the broth is absorbed, and the rice is tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice used.

Dehydrating the Rice

Allow the rice to cool before placing it in the dehydrator. Dehydrated rice can be stored safely for a long time when properly dehydrated.

Rehydrating the Rice

To rehydrate the rice, simply follow the cooking instructions on the rice packet, substituting plain water with beef, chicken, or vegetable broth. You can also add additional flavours such as soy sauce or saffron to enhance the taste.

Using broth instead of water adds flavour and moisture to your meal prep. Rehydrated chicken and rice can be combined with various ingredients, such as vegetables, herbs, and spices, to create a wholesome and delicious meal.

Rehydrating rice with an insulating cosy

Rehydrating rice is a great option for meal preppers, especially those who enjoy outdoor activities like backpacking. It is also a good way to ensure your rice is tasty and has a good texture when reheated.

When preparing your rice for rehydration, you should first cook the rice as you normally would. Then, allow the rice to cool and dehydrate until it is completely dry. This can be done with a dehydrator, or by spreading the rice out and allowing it to air dry.

To rehydrate the rice, you can use an insulating cosy. First, combine the rice with water in a pot and soak it for 5 minutes. Then, place the pot on a lit stove and bring the water to a boil for one minute. After this, transfer the pot to an insulating cosy and leave it for 15 minutes. This method can be used for various recipes, such as chicken-flavoured rice with ham and vegetables, or coconut shrimp curry with mango.

It is important to note that the rehydrated rice may have a slightly chewier texture than instant rice, but it is still pleasant. Additionally, when meal prepping, it is recommended to consume the rice within 3-4 days when stored in the fridge. If you wish to store it for longer, it should be frozen.

Storing chicken and rice in the freezer

When storing chicken and rice in the freezer, it is important to let the food cool down properly before placing it in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. This helps to prevent moisture build-up, which can encourage bacterial growth. It is recommended to store the chicken and rice separately, as this can also help to extend the shelf life of the meal.

Chicken and rice can be safely stored in the freezer for up to six months. However, it is important to note that the taste and texture of the meal may change after this period. To thaw the meal, it is best to transfer it to the refrigerator overnight to ensure slow and safe defrosting.

When reheating chicken and rice, it is important to ensure that the food is heated thoroughly to kill any bacteria that may have grown during storage. It is recommended to reheat the meal only once, as multiple reheatings can also encourage bacterial growth.

Additionally, it is important to practice good food safety habits when handling and storing chicken and rice. This includes washing hands frequently, using clean utensils and containers, and ensuring that the food is not left at room temperature for extended periods.

Frequently asked questions