Maize Rice & Chicken Bake

Ingredients

For the Bake

• 500 g chicken breast or thigh fillets, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tsp BlixSam Grill Forge
• 2 tsp BlixSam Nou Braai
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups cooked maize rice
• 250 ml chicken stock
• 125 ml fresh cream
• 150 g mature cheddar cheese, grated
• Freshly ground black pepper

Topping

• 200 g mature cheddar cheese, grated
• 100 g mozzarella cheese, grated
• 2 spring onions, finely sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C and lightly grease a large ovenproof baking dish.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
3. Fry the chicken until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, fry the onion and red pepper until softened, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in the BlixSam Grill Forge and BlixSam Nou Braai, allowing the seasonings to bloom in the oil for about 30 seconds.
6. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
7. Pour in the chicken stock and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
8. Return the chicken to the pan, then stir in the cooked maize rice and fresh cream.
9. Add the grated cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Season with black pepper.
10. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
11. Sprinkle over the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
12. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden and bubbling.
13. Garnish with sliced spring onions and fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestion