Middle Eastern Chicken & Rice
A comforting Middle Eastern Chicken & Rice recipe featuring tender chicken pieces melded with aromatic basmati rice and spices, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken pieces (thighs or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed until water runs clear
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (optional)
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Push the onions and garlic to the side of the pot and add the chicken pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
- Sprinkle the turmeric, saffron (if using), salt, and pepper over the chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
- Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot. Stir well to coat the rice with the spiced chicken mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Stir in the peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow them to heat through without overcooking.
- Remove the pot from heat, keeping it covered. Let it sit for 5 minutes to finish cooking and allow the flavors to meld.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve warm.
Notes
Always rinse basmati rice to achieve the perfect fluffy texture. Don’t skip the browning step; it develops flavor that enhances the overall dish.
Find it online: https://www.chickensecret.com/middle-eastern-chicken-and-rice/