Description
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty One Pot Chicken and Rice Pilaf, blending Mediterranean flavors with simple home cooking. Mediterranean herbs and tender chicken create a satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor each delicious, fragrant bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or oregano)
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
Base and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
- ¼ cup sliced almonds or toasted pine nuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by generously coating it with a blend of aromatic spices, creating a flavorful exterior. Utilize a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to develop a rich, golden crust through high-heat searing, ensuring the meat remains juicy and partially cooked.
- Transform the same cooking vessel into a fragrant base by gently melting butter and sweating diced onions until they become translucent and softened. Introduce minced garlic and ground spices, allowing their essential oils to bloom and release intense flavors. Fold in rice grains, stirring continuously to toast and develop a nutty undertone.
- Deglaze the pan with rich chicken broth, carefully lifting the caramelized spice remnants from the bottom of the skillet. Carefully nestle the partially seared chicken pieces into the rice mixture, creating a harmonious one-pot composition. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, covering the pan to allow the rice to steam and absorb the liquid while the chicken continues cooking.
- During the final moments of cooking, incorporate vibrant green peas into the pilaf, adding color and a subtle sweetness. Allow the dish to rest, enabling the flavors to meld and the rice to achieve perfect tenderness. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted almonds and freshly chopped herbs, creating a visually appealing and aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
Notes
- Chicken Selection Matters: Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, ensuring a more tender and succulent result.
- Spice Customization: Adjust spice blend according to personal preference or dietary needs, experimenting with different herbs and spices like smoked paprika or za’atar for unique flavor profiles.
- Rice Toasting Technique: Toast rice thoroughly to enhance nutty flavors and prevent mushiness, creating a light, fluffy texture that separates easily when cooked.
- One-Pan Efficiency: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to distribute heat evenly and minimize cleanup, making this a perfect weeknight meal for busy home cooks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg