Pile s Oriz s Zeleni Podpravki
Chicken with Rice and Green Spices
A comforting and aromatic Bulgarian dish featuring tender chicken pieces baked with rice, infused with the fresh flavors of dill and parsley, and a hint of savory spices. This one-pan meal is both hearty and flavorful, showcasing a common yet beloved way of preparing chicken and rice in Bulgarian homes.
๐ง Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken thighs or drumsticks(bone-in, skin-on recommended for more flavor)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil or sunflower oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion(finely chopped)
- 1 medium Carrot(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1.5 cups Rice (medium or long grain)
- 4.5 cups Chicken broth or water
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 0.75 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Dried spearmint (dzhodzhen)(ground)
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- 4 oz Mushrooms(chopped (optional))
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
๐ก Tip: Preheating ensures even cooking. - 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside. Do not cook through.
- 3
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pot. Add the chopped onion and carrot and sautรฉ until softened.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant and mushrooms are slightly softened.
- 5
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rinsed rice to the pot with the vegetables and stir to coat the grains.
๐ก Tip: Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing mushy rice. - 6
Pour in the chicken broth or water, salt, black pepper, and ground dried spearmint. Stir to combine.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the liquid covers the rice and vegetables. - 7
Arrange the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Ensure they are somewhat evenly distributed.
๐ก Tip: Placing chicken on top helps it crisp up. - 8
Cover the pot or transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
- 9
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the liquid is absorbed, and the chicken skin is golden brown and crispy.
๐ก Tip: If the rice seems dry before the chicken is cooked, add a little more broth or water. - 10
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
๐ก Tip: Fresh herbs add brightness and a pop of color.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โUsing bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks will yield a more flavorful and moist dish.
- โSpearmint (dzhodzhen) is a traditional Bulgarian herb that adds a unique aroma. If unavailable, you can substitute with a mix of dried mint and a pinch of dried thyme.
- โAdjust the amount of salt and pepper to your personal preference.
- โFor a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of water.
- โThis dish is often served with a side of plain Bulgarian yogurt.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or leeks along with the onions and carrots.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper with the garlic.
- If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent drying out.