Roast Chicken with Sweet Corn and Wild Rice

Ingredients

• Chicken breast 6 oz
• Wild rice 1.5 cups
• Sweet corn 1 cup
• Butter 1 tsp
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Olive oil 1 tbsp

Method

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat. This ensures the chicken roasts evenly and develops a nice golden color.
   Tip: Preheating the oven is important for proper cooking and browning.
2. Prepare the chicken breast. Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels. Rub it with olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. This will enhance the flavor and help create a crispy outer layer.
   Tip: Drying the chicken helps the skin crisp up during roasting.
3. Roast the chicken. Place the chicken breast on a baking tray or oven-safe dish. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast.
   Tip: If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part to check if juices run clear.
4. Steam the sweet corn. While the chicken roasts, steam the sweet corn. You can use fresh or frozen corn. Place the corn in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
   Tip: If you don’t have a steamer, microwave the corn with a little water covered in a microwave-safe dish.
5. Warm the wild rice. If your wild rice is already cooked and cooled, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave it for 1-2 minutes. Stir occasionally to heat evenly.
   Tip: Add a splash of water if the rice seems dry during reheating.
6. Add butter to corn. Once the corn is steamed and hot, stir in 1 teaspoon of butter until melted. This adds richness and enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
   Tip: Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in the dish.
7. Rest the chicken. Remove the roasted chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
   Tip: Cover loosely with foil while resting to keep warm.
8. Serve the dish. Slice the chicken breast and plate it alongside the warm wild rice and buttered sweet corn. Enjoy your balanced and delicious meal!
   Tip: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.

Pro tips

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken every time.
• Letting the chicken rest before slicing helps retain its juices for a moist texture.