Description
Hearty one pot chicken and rice pilaf delivers comfort from Mediterranean kitchens with minimal cleanup. Savory spices and tender chicken combine in a simple, satisfying meal you’ll want to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp dried thyme (or oregano)
- ¼ tsp turmeric (optional, for color)
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
- ¼ cup sliced almonds or toasted pine nuts (optional)
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Spice Infusion: Generously coat chicken with a robust spice blend, ensuring full coverage. Sear in a heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat to develop a golden crust, partially cooking the meat while preserving its succulent interior.
- Aromatic Foundation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until translucent. Introduce garlic and ground spices, allowing their essential oils to bloom. Toast rice grains thoroughly, creating a nutty base that will enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth into the skillet, deglazing and incorporating the caramelized spice remnants. Gently embed the seared chicken pieces into the rice mixture, ensuring even distribution. Reduce heat, cover, and allow the rice to steam and chicken to finish cooking, melding the flavors into a harmonious one-pot wonder.
- Final Embellishment: Fold green peas into the pilaf during the last cooking moments, adding vibrant color and subtle sweetness. Let the dish rest briefly to allow complete flavor absorption. Garnish with toasted almonds and fresh herbs, creating a visually stunning and aromatic culinary masterpiece that tantalizes both the eyes and palate.
Notes
- Sear with Confidence: High-heat searing locks in chicken juices and creates a flavorful golden crust, so don’t rush or move the chicken too quickly in the pan.
- Spice Blooming Technique: Toast ground spices and garlic in butter to release maximum flavor, stirring constantly to prevent burning and ensure even distribution.
- Liquid Absorption Mastery: Use warm chicken broth and maintain a gentle simmer to help rice cook evenly and absorb flavors without becoming mushy or dry.
- Resting is Essential: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and rice to reach perfect tender consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg