Cypriot Chicken and Rice Pilaf
Piyazli Tavuk Pilavi
A comforting and aromatic one-pot dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with rice, tomatoes, and a blend of traditional Cypriot spices, often enriched with chickpeas for added texture and flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Canned chickpeas(drained and rinsed)
- 400 g Chopped tomatoes(canned)
- 250 g Rice(medium-grain, rinsed)
- 500 ml Chicken broth
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 0.5 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp Ground coriander
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic, cumin, cinnamon, and coriander. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
- 4
Stir in the drained chickpeas and chopped tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices and tomato mixture. - 5
Add the rinsed rice and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together.
💡 Tip: Make sure the rice is submerged in the liquid. - 6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
💡 Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain steam. - 7
Once cooked, let the pilaf stand, covered, for 5-10 minutes off the heat. Fluff with a fork.
- 8
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve hot as a main dish or a hearty side.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use chicken thighs with skin on and remove the skin after cooking.
- ✓If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other spices.
- ✓Ensure the rice is thoroughly rinsed to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the pilaf from becoming gummy.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth.
- Top with toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts for added crunch.