Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that's both healthy and satisfying? Then look no further! This Middle Eastern Spiced Chicken and Rice recipe is a delicious journey for your taste buds, transporting you to bustling marketplaces and fragrant kitchens. It's a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on taste, ideal for a quick dinner idea or a special occasion. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this simple yet stunning dish!
Ingredients:
This recipe easily serves 4-6 people.
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For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
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For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp toasted slivered almonds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Get started with the chicken:
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Now, it's time for the spices! Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), cinnamon, and cloves to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step unlocks the full potential of the spices, creating a truly delicious base for your dish.
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Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Cooking the rice is a breeze:
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While the chicken simmers, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
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In a separate saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
Finishing Touches and Serving:
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Once the chicken and rice are cooked, gently fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the chopped parsley.
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Serve the spiced chicken over a bed of fluffy rice. Garnish with toasted slivered almonds, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Add other vegetables, such as diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini, to the skillet along with the onions.
- Dried apricots or raisins add a touch of sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 Protein: Approximately 35-40g Fat: Approximately 15-20g Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This Middle Eastern Spiced Chicken and Rice is a delightful example of healthy meals that are easy to prepare. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish! It's perfect for meal prepping, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights. This recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!