Chicken and Rice Cakes With Bacon for Dogs and People!

I’ll never forget the first time I made these chicken and rice cakes. My scruffy terrier mix, Gus, was recovering from minor surgery, and his usual kibble wasn’t appealing. I wanted to make him something special, something gentle on his stomach, but also something delicious. I remember the sheer joy in his eyes, the little happy dance he did, when he first tasted these patties. Even better? They were tasty enough for me to enjoy, too, making dinner prep a breeze that night!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yields: 4 rice cakes
• Dietary Type: Dog-Friendly, Savory

Ingredients

• 1 cup chicken
• 1/2 cup rice
• 4 slices turkey bacon
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Sour cream (people’s version only)
• Salsa (people’s version only)

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Medium bowl
• Medium nonstick skillet
• Paper towels
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the rice, lower the heat to a simmer, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Transfer the cooked rice to a medium bowl and let it cool completely. This step is crucial to prevent the eggs from cooking prematurely.
4. While the rice is cooking, in a medium nonstick skillet, cook the turkey bacon over medium-high heat until crisp, approximately 5 minutes. Be sure to monitor the bacon closely to avoid burning.
5. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease. Allow to cool slightly.
6. Finely chop the bacon and add it to the cooled rice.
7. Reserve the skillet – you’ll need it later for cooking the patties.
8. In the bowl with the rice and bacon, mix in the beaten eggs and breadcrumbs. Season generously with salt and pepper. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined for a cohesive mixture.
9. Shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties. Gently compress each patty to help it hold its shape during cooking.
10. In the reserved skillet, heat the olive oil, approximately 2 turns of the pan, over medium heat. The oil should be shimmering but not smoking.
11. Carefully add the rice cakes to the heated skillet. Cook for 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and heated through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
12. Remove the cooked rice cakes from the skillet and let them cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to your pup. This is important to prevent burns.
13. For the people’s portions, top the cooked rice cakes with a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of your favorite salsa.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, consider using leftover roasted chicken instead of cooked chicken. The smoky notes will add a delightful depth to the patties.
• If the rice mixture is too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved. Conversely, if the mixture is too dry, add a touch more beaten egg.
• To prevent the rice cakes from sticking to the skillet, make sure the pan is properly preheated and the oil is hot before adding the patties.
• You can prepare the rice mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights.
• For a crispier crust, consider lightly coating the patties in extra breadcrumbs before cooking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the chicken and rice cakes warm or at room temperature. For dogs, ensure the patties are completely cooled before serving. The human version is delicious with sour cream and salsa, but feel free to experiment with other toppings like avocado, a fried egg, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Leftover rice cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the rice cakes for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value (estimated for humans)
Calories	272.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	12.9 g	19%
Saturated Fat	2.6 g	13%
Cholesterol	118.3 mg	39%
Sodium	304 mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate	29.5 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	0.9 g	3%
Sugars	1.3 g	N/A
Protein	8.7 g	17%

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• If your dog has a chicken allergy, substitute with ground turkey or lean ground beef.
• Instead of turkey bacon, you can use regular bacon or even diced ham. Just be mindful of the salt content.
• Add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach for an extra boost of nutrients. Be sure to cook the vegetables before adding them to the rice mixture.
• Spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce (for the people’s version only!).

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Are these rice cakes suitable for all dogs?
A: While generally safe, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your dog’s diet, especially if they have any allergies or sensitivities.

Q: Can I freeze the cooked rice cakes?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked rice cakes for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Q: How do I prevent the rice cakes from falling apart while cooking?
A: Make sure the rice mixture is not too wet. If necessary, add a little more breadcrumbs to bind the ingredients together. Also, be gentle when shaping the patties.

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying them?
A: Yes, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the rice cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Final Thoughts

I hope you and your furry friend enjoy these simple and delicious chicken and rice cakes as much as Gus and I do! It’s a wonderful feeling to create something wholesome and satisfying that both you and your dog can share. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique version. And please, let me know in the comments how they turned out! I always love hearing your feedback and seeing your culinary creations. Happy cooking (and happy eating!).