Cooking a meal with rice, dodo (fried plantains), grilled chicken, and sauce is a delicious and satisfying combination.
Ingredients:
For the Grilled Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or your preferred seasoning)
Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
For the Rice:
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups water or chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter (optional)
For the Dodo (Fried Plantains):
2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced diagonally
Vegetable oil for frying
Salt to taste
For the Sauce:
You can use your favorite sauce, such as a tomato-based sauce or a pepper sauce for added flavor. Alternatively, you can make a simple tomato sauce or salsa using tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and spices.
Instructions:
Grilled Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme to create a marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or longer for more flavor).
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary depending on your grill and the thickness of the chicken.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or serving it whole. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Rice:
Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water (or chicken broth) to a boil. Add salt and butter, if using.
Stir in the rinsed rice and return to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Fluff the rice with a fork and keep it warm.
Dodo (Fried Plantains):
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
Carefully add the plantain slices to the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Remove the fried plantains with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Sprinkle with a little salt.
Sauce:
Prepare your sauce of choice or heat up your favorite store-bought sauce.
Assembling:
Serve a portion of rice, dodo, and grilled chicken on a round plate. Drizzle your sauce over the chicken, or serve it on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs or sliced scallions for added color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal!