A California Homage to Vivian Howard’s Chicken and Rice

If you know me, you know that Vivian Howards show is ALWAYS on in the background. Ive probably seen every episode twice. I love that show so very much; mainly because Ive always been fascinated with old Southern cooking. I love the traditions and the history behind those traditions. 

I was also born in the south and went to college there so I guess you could say I have some attachment and roots there. And I adore Vivian Howard. She is humble and sweet and smart and thoughtful. Her new book, Deep Run Roots, will not disappoint. Its a book full of stories and recipes and history. It feels like a history lesson from your best girlfriend. 

The recipe Ive always wanted to try is her famous Chicken and Rice. Its the simplest most humblest of dishes. But like all simple dishes, the glory is in the ingredients and care you put forth. 

I adapted her recipe, making tweaks with what I had. I usually have good, homemade chicken stock in my freezer so I used that versus boiling a whole bird. And in my fridge, I just so happened to have chicken thighs so I boiled those instead. 

This recipe is flexible and much like the one in her book, but of course, was rewritten to reflect the changes I made. I also halved it since I only live with my boyfriend and myself (it still fed 4 people easily!). 

Adrianna Adarme is a food blogger and author living in Los Angeles, California. She writes the blog A Cozy Kitchen, where she shares comforting, everyday recipes from her kitchen. She recently authored her first cookbook, PANCAKES: 72 Sweet and Savory Recipes for the Perfect Stack. She's a lover of breakfast, pie (and sometimes even pie for breakfast), corgis and cute things. You can find her on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.