Chicken and Almond Pilau Recipe
Looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish to serve? This Chicken and Almond Pilau is the perfect one-dish meal that brings together tender chicken, aromatic basmati rice, and the crunch of toasted almonds. Not only is it a great choice for a family dinner, but it’s also light, healthy, and can be made in under 30 minutes. The best part is that it requires just a handful of simple ingredients, making it easy to prepare even on a busy weeknight. Perfect for anyone looking for a low-cholesterol meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Recipe Information:
| Category | One Dish Meal |
|---|---|
| Total Time | 30 Minutes |
| Prep Time | 10 Minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 Minutes |
| Yield | Serves 4-6 |
| Calories | 690.5 kcal |
| Rating | ★★★★★ (2 Reviews) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 1 1/4 cups |
| Boneless chicken breasts | 3-4 breasts |
| Onion | 1 (medium) |
| Garlic clove | 1 clove |
| Lemon | 1 (zested & juiced) |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh parsley | 1/4 cup (chopped) |
| Water (or chicken stock) | 2 1/2 cups |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 690.5 kcal |
| Fat | 28.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 103 mg |
| Sodium | 131.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 70.6 g |
| Fiber | 6.2 g |
| Sugar | 3.2 g |
| Protein | 39.3 g |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Base: Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
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Cook the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into small pieces or strips, then add them to the pan with the onion. Fry gently, turning occasionally, until the chicken starts to brown and is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. The chicken should no longer be pink in the center.
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Add Garlic: Mince the garlic clove and add it to the pan. Stir for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
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Add the Rice: Stir in the basmati rice and cook for an additional minute. This will allow the rice to lightly toast, enhancing its flavor. Make sure it’s well-mixed with the chicken and onions.
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Cook the Rice: Pour in the water (or chicken stock for added flavor) and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let the rice cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
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Finish with Lemon: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the rice has absorbed the liquid, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the grated rind and juice of the lemon for a bright, fresh flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Add Parsley: Fold in the chopped fresh parsley to give the dish a burst of color and freshness.
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Let It Rest: Allow the pilau to rest for 5 minutes so that the flavors can meld together, particularly the lemony aroma.
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Top with Almonds: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken: For added flavor, try marinating the chicken with lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Toasting Almonds: To toast the almonds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant. This should only take 2-3 minutes.
- Stock: Using chicken stock in place of water will make the dish more flavorful. However, water works perfectly fine if you prefer a lighter version.
- Rice: Basmati rice is ideal for this dish, but you can substitute with any long-grain rice.
Chicken and Almond Pilau is a wonderful one-dish meal that is perfect for any occasion, whether you are hosting a family dinner or need a quick weekday meal. With lean chicken breast, fragrant basmati rice, fresh parsley, and a hint of lemon, it’s not only delicious but also a heart-healthy option. The toasted almonds add a delightful crunch, making this a meal everyone will enjoy.
