Sophie Bennett
Mountain House's freeze-dried chicken and rice meal is a convenient and tasty option for outdoor adventures like hiking and camping. While some find the dish satisfying, others seek ways to spice it up. The meal includes rice, chicken, pimientos, and a bouillon-like seasoned broth. To enhance its flavour, individuals can add spices like cumin, paprika, chilli, black pepper, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, and dried fruit or vegetables. Carrying small bottles of spices or fast-food condiment packets can help customise the dish to one's preference.
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What You'll Learn
Add cumin, paprika, chilli, black pepper, oregano, rosemary, Parmesan, olive oil, or butter
Cumin, paprika, chilli, black pepper, oregano, rosemary, Parmesan, olive oil, and butter can all be used to enhance the flavour of chicken and rice. Here are some ways to incorporate these ingredients:
Cumin
Cumin is a warming spice with a smoky, earthy flavour that enhances the savoury taste of chicken. Create a spice rub with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken with this rub and cook it in a skillet with olive oil for a juicy, grilled chicken dish. Alternatively, turn the spice rub into a marinade by adding more olive oil, vinegar or lime juice, and dried herbs like oregano or rosemary.
Paprika
Paprika adds a sweet or smoky flavour to chicken. For a balanced taste, pair sweet paprika with cumin. You can also crush dried paprika with other spices like chilli peppers or chive powder for a spectacular flavour.
Chilli
Chilli adds spice and heat to chicken dishes. You can incorporate chilli powder, Kashmiri chilli powder, or crushed red pepper into your spice rub or marinade. Additionally, fresh or dried chilli peppers can be crushed and mixed with other spices for a unique flavour profile.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds a pungent tang to chicken. Ground black pepper is essential in stir-fry sauces, pairing well with ingredients like oyster sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper generously for a more intense flavour.
Oregano
Oregano is a flowering herb from the mint family, commonly used in Mediterranean, Greek, Italian, and Mexican cuisines. It adds depth and complexity to chicken dishes. Use a combination of fresh and dried oregano in your recipes, with a ratio of 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano.
Rosemary
Rosemary has a lemony aroma and flavour with herbal, woody, piney, and peppery notes. A little rosemary goes a long way, especially when using crushed rosemary leaves. It pairs well with citrus slices and other dried herbs. You can use rosemary in baked chicken dishes or one-pan recipes with potatoes.
Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish. To make it, mix Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs (preferably Panko) and coat the chicken with this mixture before frying. This adds crunch and flavour to the chicken. You can also add Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce for an extra cheesy kick.
Olive Oil
Frying chicken in olive oil adds a unique flavour and is a healthier alternative to other frying methods. Marinate the chicken in olive oil, herbs, and spices, then bake it in the oven for a crispy texture. You can also shallow pan-fry or air fry chicken in olive oil to reduce the amount of oil absorbed.
Butter
Butter is a key ingredient in butter chicken, an Indian dish made with marinated chicken in a creamy, tomato-based curry. To make it spicier, increase the amount of Kashmiri chilli powder in the marinade and curry. Adjust the amount of butter and heavy cream to change the thickness of the dish.
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Use soy sauce, hot sauce, or honey
Honey, soy sauce, and hot sauce can be used in various ways to enhance the flavour of Mountain House chicken and rice.
For honey, a tablespoon or two can be added to the sauce to give it a sweet and sticky texture. This goes well with garlic and ginger, and the chicken can be served with rice and broccoli for a complete meal.
Soy sauce is a great addition to chicken and rice, but it can easily dominate the dish, so use sparingly. It can be added to the sauce, or used to season the chicken before cooking. Soy sauce is a good option if you're looking for a saltier flavour.
Hot sauce can be added to the sauce, or used as a garnish. If you're using it in the sauce, you can adjust the amount according to your desired spice level. Hot sauce also works well in combination with soy sauce, creating a savoury and spicy flavour.
Here's a recipe for honey-soy chicken and rice:
- Lightly salt and pepper chicken strips
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat
- Add chicken strips and brown on both sides for about 1 minute per side
- Pour sauce (made with honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and hot sauce) over the chicken and stir to combine
- Simmer uncovered until the sauce thickens (about 8-10 minutes)
- Toss with cooked broccoli, or serve it on the side
- Serve over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onion
You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to your taste and desired spice level, or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
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Try nutmeg with mashed potato
Mountain House's chicken and rice meal is a convenient and tasty option for backpackers, but some find it a little plain. If you're looking to spice it up, one way to do so is to add some nutmeg to the mashed potatoes.
Nutmeg is a great way to add a subtle hint of spice to mashed potatoes. It pairs perfectly with the potatoes and enhances their flavour. The next time you make mashed potatoes, simply add a pinch or two of freshly ground nutmeg along with the cream, butter, salt, and pepper. You can taste as you go and add more nutmeg if you desire.
If you're making mashed potatoes from scratch, start by peeling your starchy potatoes and cutting them into chunks of similar size. Then, pop them into a pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and add salt generously. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, which should take about 12 to 15 minutes.
While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the milk mixture by combining milk, butter, salt, and nutmeg in a small saucepan. Heat this gently until it is steaming, but not boiling, and whisk it well to make it smooth and luscious. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot. Set the pot over low heat for 30 to 60 seconds, shaking it every 5 to 10 seconds to ensure the potatoes don't burn. This step helps to dry out the potatoes so they don't turn watery.
Finally, it's time to mash! Use a potato masher to achieve the perfect texture. Start mashing the potatoes while slowly adding half of the hot milk mixture. Continue mashing and gradually add more milk until you reach your desired level of creaminess. For an extra decadent touch, dot the mashed potatoes with extra butter before serving.
So, if you're looking to spice up your Mountain House chicken and rice meal, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to your mashed potatoes. It's a simple way to elevate the flavours and create a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Add dried fruit or vegetables
If you're looking to add some dried fruit or vegetables to your Mountain House chicken and rice, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, Mountain House's freeze-dried chicken and rice meal already includes pimientos, red bell peppers, and carrots, so you could opt to add more of these vegetables to enhance the existing flavours. Alternatively, you could introduce new flavours by adding dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots, or dried vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes.
When adding dried fruit or vegetables, consider the flavour profile you want to achieve. For a sweeter dish, dried fruits like raisins or cranberries would pair well with the savoury chicken and rice. If you're looking for a more savoury or umami flavour, dried vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes would be a better option. You can also experiment with different combinations of dried fruits and vegetables to find your preferred taste.
In terms of preparation, dried fruits and vegetables can be added directly to the Mountain House chicken and rice during the rehydration process. Simply follow the standard instructions for preparing the meal, adding the appropriate amount of boiling water to the pouch or bowl. Then, add your chosen dried fruits and vegetables and stir well to combine. Allow the mixture to rehydrate for the recommended 8-9 minutes, or slightly longer if you prefer your rice on the softer side.
It's important to note that adding dried fruits or vegetables will contribute to the overall flavour of the dish, but it may not be enough to significantly spice it up on its own. Consider combining this idea with other suggestions, such as adding spices or sauces, to create a well-rounded and flavourful meal.
Remember to pack your chosen dried fruits or vegetables in a durable and lightweight container when heading outdoors, ensuring they stay dry and fresh until it's time to cook. By adding dried fruits or vegetables to your Mountain House chicken and rice, you can elevate this simple dish and create a more nutritious and satisfying outdoor dining experience.
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Use smaller bottles of spices
Keeping smaller bottles of spices on hand is a great way to spice up your Mountain House chicken and rice. This allows you to customise the dish to your taste preferences and create a unique flavour profile each time you prepare it.
When it comes to selecting spices, there are numerous options that can enhance the flavour of chicken and rice. Some popular choices include cumin, paprika, chilli, black pepper, oregano, and rosemary. These spices can add warmth, depth, and aroma to the dish. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg, which can be especially delightful when paired with mashed potatoes.
Another advantage of using smaller bottles of spices is the convenience and portability they offer. When going camping, hiking, or simply enjoying a meal outdoors, you can easily pack a variety of spices in small bottles without taking up too much space or adding significant weight to your luggage. This way, you can elevate your outdoor dining experience without compromising on practicality.
Additionally, smaller bottles of spices allow for controlled dispensing, ensuring that you add just the right amount to your chicken and rice. This helps to avoid overseasoning, creating a more balanced and harmonious dish. It is also advisable to add the spices just before sealing the bag or bowl and mixing well, as this ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Lastly, with smaller bottles of spices, you have the freedom to experiment with different combinations. You can try mixing and matching various spices to find your perfect blend. This not only keeps your taste buds intrigued but also makes each meal a delightful exploration of flavours.
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Frequently asked questions
You can spice up Mountain House Chicken and Rice by adding spices like cumin, paprika, chilli, black pepper, oregano, rosemary, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, and crushed red pepper.
You can add soy sauce, hot sauce, and honey to Mountain House Chicken and Rice to enhance its flavour.
You can add dried fruits, vegetables, instant rice, or a pouch of chicken to make Mountain House Chicken and Rice more filling.
Mountain House Chicken and Rice requires 2 cups or 16 ounces of water to rehydrate.
Mountain House Chicken and Rice should sit for at least 8-9 minutes, but you can let it steep for up to 11 or even 15 minutes to ensure the rice is not crunchy.
