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One Pot Chicken and Rice Pilaf

One Pot Chicken and Rice Pilaf
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This Easy One Pot Chicken and Rice Pilaf is a flavorful, comforting weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken thighs, aromatic spices, and perfectly cooked long-grain rice all made in one pot. It’s quick to prepare, offers balanced and vibrant flavors, and requires minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein

  • 4–6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, seasoned with salt and pepper

Rice and Grains

  • 1 ½ cups long-grain rice

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 3 cups chicken broth

Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh Herbs and Garnishes

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Optional: toasted almonds or pine nuts for topping

Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place skin-side down. Cook until skin is crisp and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the same pot and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Toast the Rice and Spices: Add rice to the pot, stirring frequently to coat the grains in oil, and toast lightly for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle in the cumin and turmeric, stirring to distribute evenly and release their aromas.
  4. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pot bottom. Nestle chicken thighs into the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Rest and Garnish: Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes so the rice absorbs any remaining moisture. Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro over the top before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
  • Toasting the rice prevents mushiness and adds a nutty flavor.
  • Keep the pot tightly covered while simmering to trap steam and cook rice evenly.
  • Letting the dish rest after cooking finishes off the rice perfectly.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their brightness and aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot, chicken pilaf, rice pilaf, easy dinner, quick recipe, gluten free, weeknight meal, comforting dish

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/one-pot-chicken-and-rice-pilaf/