Ultimate Chicken and Rice

A few months ago a friend of mine from high school Cici posted a picture of a dish she had created and it looked super yummy!! Of course I asked immediately what the recipe was but like most people who are creative in the kitchen, she knew all of the ingredients that she had used but didn't know the measurements. Challenge accepted!!! I had the recipe down the first time I made it!! My family loves this recipe. It is warm and comforting. My daughter said it was the ultimate comfort food!!! The best part is that not only is it super easy to make but it is budget friendly!! We always make a bunch because the leftovers are my favorite part!! I hope that you enjoy it as much as we do! Thanks again Cici!!! By the way the picture does not do this dish justice!!

Ultimate Chicken and Rice

4 lb. chicken (I have used leg quarters as well as thighs, you wanna use dark meat)
2 chopped onions
4-6 stalks celery chopped
3 bell peppers chopped 
3 heaping tbs lemon pepper seasoning
5 heaping tbs garlic powder
4 heaping tbs adobo seasoning
2 packs 10 oz. yellow rice (we use mahatma. if you can not find the 10 oz just use 4 of the small 5 oz packs)
optional* 1 stick butter (I know it seems like a lot but this is a lot of rice!!)

In a large stock pot (I use 2 dutch ovens) place your veggies, chicken and half of each spice.
Fill the pot with water enough to cover everything (appx 9 cups).
Boil until chicken is just about to fall off of the bone and the veggies are starting to get tender.
If you have to add more water half way through please do so.
Preheat oven to 450.
Remove the chicken from the pot and de bone, throwing away the bones and skin.
Pour uncooked yellow rice in a roasting pan along with the chicken, veggies, the remaining spices and 8 cups of the broth from your pot
Stir well and bake uncovered for 45 mins to an hour stirring every 15 mins until the rice is tender and broth is absorbed.
Serve and cuddle up with a bowl of this ultimate comfort food, your favorite people and an awesome show like my daughter and I did!!

Thanks!!!