Chicken and Lentil Rice Recipe
An exotic one-dish meal full of flavor, texture, and color, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Cook Time: 2 hours
Prep Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 6 hours
Servings: 4
Calories: 632.5 per serving
Description
This Chicken and Lentil Rice recipe from Love With Recipes combines the richness of chicken, the heartiness of lentils, and the fragrance of basmati rice, all seasoned with aromatic spices. The addition of dates, raisins, and saffron brings a touch of sweetness and warmth, making this dish a delightful centerpiece for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a festive dish for a special gathering, this one-pot wonder will not disappoint.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati Rice | 250 grams |
| Chicken Breasts (boneless) | 250 grams |
| Onions | 2 (medium) |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Raisins | 60 grams |
| Dates | 120 grams |
| Powdered Saffron | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Lentils | 75 grams |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 632.5 |
| Fat Content | 21.6g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.8g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 48.6mg |
| Carbohydrate | 91.6g |
| Fiber | 7.6g |
| Sugar | 31.1g |
| Protein | 21.5g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by heating a generous amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add one of the onions and sauté until it turns golden brown. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet, stirring occasionally to cook evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid, lowering the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the chicken to cook through, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Second Onion and Prepare the Raisin-Date Mixture
In a separate pan, heat another tablespoon of oil. Add the second onion and sauté it until golden brown, just like the first. Stir in the dates and raisins, cooking for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their natural sweetness. Add the powdered saffron to the mixture and stir well, allowing the flavors to infuse. Set this aside to add later.
Step 3: Prepare the Lentils
Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water. Once rinsed, set them aside to drain, ensuring no excess water remains, as it could alter the cooking process when combined with the rice.
Step 4: Cooking the Rice
To prepare the rice, bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Drain the soaked basmati rice and add it to the boiling water. Let the rice boil for about 3 minutes, then test a grain to ensure it is cooked to your liking (it should be slightly firm but not raw). Afterward, strain the rice and rinse it under lukewarm water to remove excess starch.
Step 5: Layering the Rice and Lentils
Now, you’re ready to combine the rice and lentils. In a large pot or deep skillet, bring 1/4 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of oil to a boil. Begin layering the rice and lentils alternately in the pot, forming a dome shape as you go. Make sure the top layer is rice, as this will give the dish a beautiful finish. To allow the steam to circulate evenly, poke 5-6 small holes through the rice with the handle of a wooden spoon. Cover the pot with a lid.
Step 6: Steaming and Cooking the Rice
On medium heat, allow the rice and lentil mixture to steam for about 3 minutes. After this, pour another 1/4 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of oil over the rice. Cover the pot again and seal it tightly with dough (atta dough works best, but you can use any dough to create a seal). Lower the heat and allow it to cook on a simmer for 45 minutes. This step is crucial, as it locks in all the flavors and ensures the rice is perfectly cooked and fragrant.
Step 7: Let It Cool
Once the rice has finished cooking, remove the pot from the heat and place it in the sink. Run cold water over the sides of the pot to cool it down gently. Carefully remove the wheat flour dough seal from around the lid.
Step 8: Serve the Dish
To serve, carefully and gently remove the chicken and lentil rice from the pot, ensuring you keep the shape intact. Carefully place the rice on a serving dish, shaping it into a dome. Spread the raisin and date mixture over the rice, adding a lovely burst of sweetness. Finally, arrange the cooked chicken on top of the rice. Don’t forget to serve the crusty bottom separately – it’s a delightful treat for anyone who loves the crispy layer at the bottom of a pot.
Enjoy Your Chicken and Lentil Rice!
This hearty and flavorful dish, with its tender chicken, aromatic rice, and the sweetness of raisins and dates, is sure to impress your family and guests. It brings together a wonderful combination of textures and flavors, creating a meal that feels both comforting and exotic. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special gathering, this dish will be a favorite in no time.
Keywords
Long Grain Rice, Rice, Lentil, Beans, Asian, Indian, Low Cholesterol, Stove Top, Stir Fry
