Southwestern Chicken and Rice
Dehydrated chicken and rice with southwestern spices—boil water, wait, eat.
- calories
- 480
- weight
- 4.5 oz
- cal / oz
- 107
- protein
- 26 g
- serves
- 2, scales
- prep
- 2 min
- cook
- 15 min
- total time
- 17 min
- water
- 500 ml boiled
- cost
- $$
Calorie and protein figures are my own estimates, good enough for planning a food bag and not meant as precise nutrition data.
- Dinner
- Canister stove
- Alcohol / Esbit
- Backpacking
- Thru-hike
- Dairy free
- Nut free
- One pot
- Pre-mix at home
- Shelf stable
- Dump and stir
Ingredients
| Instant white rice | 1 cup | packed at home |
|---|---|---|
| Dehydrated chicken | 3 oz | diced small, from a backpacking supplier or home-dehydrated |
| Dehydrated bell peppers and onions | 1/3 cup | mixed |
| Dehydrated corn | 1/4 cup | |
| Dehydrated black beans | 3 tbsp | |
| Instant chicken broth powder | 1.5 tbsp | |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp | |
| Paprika | 1/2 tsp | |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp | |
| Cilantro | 1/4 tsp | |
| Salt and pepper | to taste |
Method
- Boil 500 ml of water.
- Pour in all ingredients and stir until incorporated.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 12 to 15 minutes until the rice and chicken rehydrate fully.
- Stir, taste for salt, and eat.
Everything rehydrates in place because each component—rice, chicken, vegetables, beans—is already partially cooked or dehydrated before it hits the pot. The southwestern flavor comes from chili powder and paprika together, which build heat and earthiness without the weight of heavy cumin. Dehydrated chicken carries the protein; the vegetables and beans add texture and volume without adding weight.
The critical variable is rehydration time. Twelve minutes is the minimum if your water stays hot; fifteen is more forgiving and accounts for cooler conditions or lower elevation. Instant rice is essential—long-grain rice needs more water and more time. Dice-sized chicken pieces rehydrate faster than chunks, so prep accordingly when you dehydrate at home.
Packing
Mix all dry ingredients into a single quart freezer bag at home and label with the water amount. No measuring at camp—everything goes in at once.
Variations
- Lime powder or a packet of hot sauce stirred in after rehydration adds brightness.
- Crushed tortilla chips stirred in at the end provide crunch.
- A splash of vinegar powder or a squeeze of actual lime if you have it.
https://trailcooking.com/2023/05/25/commercial-meal-review-thrive-life-southwestern-chicken