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Persian-Style Chicken Pilaf

Persian-Style Chicken Pilaf: A Flavorful One-Pot Delight

Experience the enchanting flavors of Persian-Style Chicken Pilaf, a gluten-free, protein-packed one-pot meal with aromatic spices and tender chicken.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Persian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Rice
  • 2 cups Basmati Rice Soak beforehand for fluffy results.
  • 4 cups Chicken Stock Vegetable stock for vegetarian alternative.
  • 1 pinch Saffron Threads Omit if not available.
For the Chicken
  • 1.5 pounds Chicken Thighs Skinless and boneless is best.
  • to taste Salt Adjust according to taste.
  • to taste Pepper Adjust according to taste.
For Aromatics & Spices
  • 2 tablespoons Ghee or Unsalted Butter Olive oil for dairy-free option.
  • 1 Onion Finely chopped.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Substitute with coriander if preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander Tamari can be an alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Nutmeg as an alternative if desired.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric Curry powder as a substitute.
For Sweetness & Crunch
  • ½ cup Sultanas or Golden Raisins Dried apricots can be used.
  • ½ cup Slivered Almonds Walnuts can be used instead.
  • ½ cup Pistachios Omit for nut-free version.
For Garnish
  • to taste Fresh Coriander or Parsley Adds freshness.
  • to taste Pomegranate Seeds Optional.

Equipment

  • Large pot

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Rinse 2 cups of basmati rice under cold water until clear, then soak in water for 20 minutes and drain.
  2. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes.
  3. Mix in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, and ground turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned.
  5. Pour in 4 cups of chicken stock, add soaked rice, and a pinch of saffron dissolved in a tablespoon of water. Add ½ cup of sultanas.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  8. Fold in ½ cup of slivered almonds and ½ cup of chopped pistachios with freshly chopped coriander or parsley.
  9. Serve hot with extra nuts and optional pomegranate seeds for garnish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Rinse the rice thoroughly and allow it to rest after cooking for the best texture.

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