Chicken Pilaf

Chicken Pilaf - Grandma's Recipe

Discover the nostalgic flavor of childhood with this chicken pilaf recipe! Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this dish will bring a touch of warmth to any meal. The total preparation time is about 1 hour, and the recipe is sufficient for 4 servings. Here’s how to achieve perfect pilaf, step by step.

Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup of rice (about 200 ml)
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 1 liter of water
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of Knorr vegetables (or another preferred seasoning)
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped

Preparation:

1. Boiling the chicken thighs: In a large pot, add the 4 chicken thighs, the whole onion (peeled, but left whole to flavor the broth), and a pinch of salt. Cover the meat with about 1 liter of water. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil. Remove the foam that forms on the surface with a skimmer to obtain a clear broth. It is important to cook over moderate heat to avoid soaking the meat with water.

2. Preparing the carrot: In another pot, add water and boil the peeled carrot cut into rounds or cubes. Cook for about 10 minutes or until it becomes slightly soft. This will add a note of sweetness to the pilaf.

3. Preparing the rice: Choose quality rice, ideal for pilaf, such as basmati or long-grain rice. Wash the rice under a stream of cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well. This step is essential to achieve a fluffy pilaf without the rice sticking together.

4. Sautéing the rice: In a skillet, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add the rice and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. The butter will provide a rich flavor and help the rice to open up.

5. Combining the ingredients: After the rice has been sautéed, pour it into the pot with the chicken broth (from which you have removed the onion). Add the boiled chicken thighs, carrot, a teaspoon of Knorr vegetables, and salt to taste. Gently stir to combine the ingredients, but avoid stirring too much to prevent breaking the texture of the rice.

6. Baking in the oven: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven at 160°C. Let the pilaf bake for about 30 minutes. It is important not to stir the pilaf during baking to allow the steam to make the rice fluffy and absorb the flavors.

7. Finishing the dish: Finally, remove the pot from the oven and add a few small pieces of fresh butter on top of the pilaf. They will melt and add a note of creaminess. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley to add a touch of freshness.

Serving:
Serve the pilaf warm, alongside a light green salad or pickles to complement the savory flavors of the dish. This chicken pilaf is perfect for a family meal or to impress guests with a delicious traditional dish.

Variation suggestion:
For a more sophisticated variant, you can add a few slices of sautéed mushrooms during the rice preparation. You can also substitute the chicken with turkey or duck for a different texture and flavor.

This simple and quick chicken pilaf recipe is not only delicious but also full of cherished memories. Try it and turn it into a beloved dish in your kitchen!