
Wash and prep the vegetables. Peel and dice the potatoes and carrots, then dice the onions. Set aside 1/2 cup of the onions for the chicken and gravy, and keep the remaining onions with the vegetables.



In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the potatoes, carrots, and the larger portion of diced onions. Stir in the garlic, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, cumin, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Add the rice and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring to coat everything well.


Pour in the water and 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the rice is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, about 18 to 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, while you finish the chicken.



In a second large skillet, heat the olive oil with the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the reserved onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Season the chicken with the remaining Italian seasoning, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper, then place it in the skillet. Cook, turning as needed, until browned on both sides and nearly cooked through.



Add the diced tomatoes to the chicken and stir gently. Season with the sugar and a little more salt if needed. Cover and simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes, until the tomatoes break down and form a light sauce.



Whisk the cornstarch with a small splash of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the tomato mixture and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the chicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.


Fluff the rice and vegetable mixture with a fork, then serve it with the chicken and spoon the tomato gravy over the top.





