Description
This Chicken Pilau recipe is a flavorful and comforting one-pot dish combining tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy long-grain rice simmered in a savory chicken stock. Perfect for a family dinner, it is easy to prepare and comes together in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (or one rotisserie chicken that has been deboned and the skin removed, chopped)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Place butter in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. When the butter has melted, add the chopped celery, green bell pepper, and onion. Cook for about four to five minutes or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Add stock and chicken: Pour in the chicken stock and add the cooked chopped chicken. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add rice and seasonings: Once boiling, add the uncooked long-grain rice, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the mixture simmer gently for 20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pot from the heat and uncover. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Long-grain rice is preferred for fluffy, separate grains; avoid using sticky or short-grain rice.
- Ensure the pot is covered during simmering to cook the rice evenly.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or peas for extra color and nutrition.
- If the pilau feels too dry after cooking, add a splash of chicken stock while serving.
