Savory Mediterranean Chicken Pilaf with Fragrant Rice
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this Savory Mediterranean Chicken Pilaf featuring tender, spice-marinated chicken thighs and aromatic rice. Cooked in a delightful mixture of curry powder and garlic salt, this one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The addition of fresh parsley provides a pop of color and a refreshing garnish, making this dish not only delicious but visually appealing as well. Experience the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality with each satisfying bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (Used for cooking.)
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 1/2 lbs (Cut into large pieces.)
Onion
1 (Sliced thinly.)
Curry powder
1 tablespoon (Used for seasoning.)
Garlic salt
2 teaspoons (Used for seasoning.)
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons (Used for flavoring.)
Hot sauce
1 teaspoon (Used for heat.)
Uncooked rice
1 cup (Used as the base of the pilaf.)
Chicken stock
3 cups (Used for cooking the rice.)
Fresh parsley
3 tablespoons (Chopped, used as a garnish.)
Instructions
1
In a large deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2
Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the skillet and brown them on all sides for about 10 minutes, ensuring a nice golden color.
3
Once browned, add the thinly sliced onions, curry powder, and garlic salt to the skillet, stirring to combine.
4
Sauté the mixture until the onions begin to soften, approximately 3 minutes.
5
Then, add the soy sauce and hot sauce, stirring well and allowing the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
6
Next, stir in the uncooked rice, mixing thoroughly to coat it with the spices and sauce.
7
Pour in the chicken stock, ensure that the rice is evenly distributed, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
8
Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid, allowing it to cook for about 35 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed, the rice is tender, and the chicken is fully cooked.
9
Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish the dish generously with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mediterranean Chicken Pilaf?
It is a flavorful one-dish meal combining tender, spice-marinated chicken thighs with aromatic rice, seasoned with curry powder, garlic salt, and soy sauce.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into large pieces for maximum tenderness and flavor.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
The chicken should be browned in olive oil for about 10 minutes until it achieves a nice golden color on all sides.
What kind of rice should I use?
The recipe uses 1 cup of uncooked rice. A standard long-grain white rice or basmati works best for this type of pilaf.
What are the primary seasonings in this dish?
The dish is seasoned with curry powder, garlic salt, soy sauce, and a touch of hot sauce for heat.
Is this Mediterranean Chicken Pilaf spicy?
It has a mild kick due to the inclusion of 1 teaspoon of hot sauce and 1 tablespoon of curry powder, but it remains family-friendly.
How much liquid is needed for the rice?
You will need 3 cups of chicken stock to cook 1 cup of uncooked rice in this specific recipe.
How long does the rice take to cook?
Once the liquid is added, the rice needs to simmer covered on low heat for approximately 35 minutes.
What should I do after the rice is finished cooking?
Remove the skillet from the heat, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster and may become dry if browned for the full 10 minutes.
What type of pan is required for this recipe?
A large, deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid is recommended to ensure the rice steams properly.
How do I prepare the onions for this pilaf?
One whole onion should be sliced thinly before being sauteed with the chicken and spices.
Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is a one-dish meal where the chicken, aromatics, and rice all cook together in a single skillet.
Why is soy sauce included in a Mediterranean recipe?
Soy sauce adds a layer of umami and saltiness that deepens the savory flavor profile of the chicken and rice.
Can I use water instead of chicken stock?
You can, but chicken stock provides much more flavor and richness to the rice.
What is the purpose of the fresh parsley?
The fresh parsley acts as a garnish that provides a pop of color and a refreshing, bright flavor contrast to the savory spices.
How much curry powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of curry powder to season the chicken and rice.
Can I add vegetables to this pilaf?
Yes, adding peas, diced carrots, or bell peppers during the sauteing phase would complement the dish well.
Is this dish gluten-free?
As written, it contains soy sauce which often has gluten; use a certified gluten-free tamari to make the dish gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze Mediterranean Chicken Pilaf?
Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?
Rinsing the rice is optional, but it helps remove excess starch to ensure the grains stay separate and fluffy.
What is the total cooking time for this recipe?
Total cooking time is approximately 50-60 minutes, including browning the chicken and simmering the rice.
How much olive oil is used for sauteing?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used to heat the skillet and brown the chicken.
Can I substitute garlic salt?
If you don't have garlic salt, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of regular salt.
What kind of hot sauce is recommended?
Any standard vinegar-based hot sauce or a Mediterranean-style chili paste like harissa would work well.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Based on 1.5 lbs of chicken and 1 cup of rice, this recipe serves approximately 4 people.
Should the rice be toasted before adding liquid?
Yes, the instructions suggest stirring the uncooked rice with the spices and sauce to coat it thoroughly before pouring in the stock.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time (usually 45-50 minutes) than white rice.
Is the chicken fully cooked before adding the rice?
The chicken is only partially cooked during the browning stage; it finishes cooking completely while the rice simmers for 35 minutes.