Rice pilaf with chicken and fennel

Rice Pilaf with Chicken and Fennel: A Flavorful Recipe for a Quick and Delicious Meal

When it comes to quick meals that don’t compromise on taste and aroma, pilafs are always an inspired choice. This Rice Pilaf with Chicken and Fennel recipe brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients, transforming into an unforgettable culinary experience. Perfect for family lunches or dinners with friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 1 chicken (about 1 kg)
- 2 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil (for a more intense flavor)
- 1 piece of fennel (about 200-250 g)
- 2 large carrots
- 1 piece of celery (about 150 g)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 leek
- 2 green onions
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 cups of rice (preferably pilaf rice or long-grain rice)
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
- 5 cups of water

Nutritional Information (per serving approximately):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by washing the chicken well and cutting it into medium pieces. Make sure to remove the skin if you want a healthier option. Clean and wash the vegetables: carrots and celery, then grate them. Chop the onion, leek, and fennel finely. This combination of vegetables will add flavor and sweetness to your pilaf.

2. Wash the Rice:
It is important to wash the rice in several waters until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch, which will prevent the rice from sticking during cooking.

3. Sauté the Chicken:
In a wok or large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly to brown them evenly on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl.

4. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the onion, fennel, and leek, sautéing them for one minute. Then, add the carrots, celery, and diced bell peppers. Cook the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly soft, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the Rice:
Now it’s time to add the washed rice to the skillet, mixing well to combine with the vegetables. Then, add the chicken pieces back in, stirring to distribute evenly.

6. Transfer to the Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into a large, deep baking dish. Add the 5 cups of water and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well so that the rice is evenly covered with water.

7. Bake:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb all the flavors from the chicken and vegetables, becoming soft and fluffy.

8. Serve:
Once the cooking time is up, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before uncovering. You can garnish the pilaf with finely chopped green onions for an extra touch of freshness. Serve it warm, alongside a fresh salad or pickles to add a tasty contrast.

Serving Suggestions:
This rice pilaf with chicken and fennel pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing mint tea. If you want a touch of freshness, you can add a few slices of lemon to enhance the flavors.

Practical Tips and Tricks:
- Variations: You can add spices like turmeric or curry for an exotic taste. You can also substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Finding the Right Oil: Extra virgin olive oil has a stronger flavor and can add an extra layer of taste, while sunflower oil is more neutral and allows other ingredients to shine.
- Storage: If you have leftover pilaf, you can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but the cooking time will be longer. Make sure to follow the cooking instructions for brown rice, which is more fibrous.

- What can I use instead of fennel?
If you don’t like fennel, you can use zucchini or additional carrots to maintain the vegetable consistency.

- Is this recipe diet-friendly?
This recipe is relatively healthy, offering a good combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. You can adjust the amount of oil or chicken to make it even more diet-friendly.

In conclusion, this Rice Pilaf with Chicken and Fennel is not just a simple recipe, but an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds. A quick menu, yet full of personality, perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try it and adapt it to your liking. Enjoy your meal!