Bulgarian Chicken with Rice (Pile s Oriz)
Pile s Oriz is a comforting and flavorful Bulgarian one-pot dish where tender chicken pieces are baked with rice, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on Chicken thighs
- 1 cup White rice(rinsed)
- 1 medium Yellow onion(chopped)
- 1 large Carrot(cut into large pieces)
- 1 large Celery stalk(cut into large pieces)
- 100 g Mushrooms(chopped (optional))
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 1 tsp Dried spearmint (Dzhodzhen)(ground)
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.75 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Butter(for greasing dish and for rice)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large stockpot, combine chicken thighs, chopped onion, carrot pieces, and celery pieces. Add 4 cups of water, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- 2
While the chicken simmers, grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. Spread the rinsed rice evenly in the dish. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 3
After 30 minutes, remove the chicken thighs from the stockpot. Discard the cooked carrots and celery. Pour the chicken stock over the rice in the baking dish.
- 4
Arrange the chicken thighs on top of the rice. Season with the remaining 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1 tsp ground dried spearmint.
- 5
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Add the chopped mushrooms (if using) and some chopped green onions to the rice and mix lightly.
- 6
Return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the liquid has evaporated, and the chicken skin is golden brown.
- 7
Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs adds more flavor to the dish.
- ✓Ensure the rice is well-rinsed to remove excess starch.
- ✓Adjust the amount of spearmint and other seasonings to your preference.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes add diced tomatoes or tomato paste to the rice mixture.
- A pinch of turmeric can be added for color and flavor.
- Other herbs like parsley or dill can be used in addition to or instead of spearmint.