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Plate of One-Pot Chicken and Rice Pilaf with prunes, garlic bulb, and tender chicken.
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One-Pot Chicken And Rice Pilaf Recipe

This One-Pot Chicken And Rice Pilaf is the ultimate comfort food. Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, sweet prunes, and a whole garlic clove come together in one pot for a cozy, delicious meal. Everything is cooked in layers to lock in flavor and create a dish that’s satisfying, fragrant, and easy to make. With simple ingredients and no extra pans to wash, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: Eastern European, Mediterranean
Keyword: chicken and rice, chicken dinner, easy dinner, one-pot meal, pilaf, prune pilaf, rice pilaf
Cooking Method: Stovetop
Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
Servings: 4
Calories: 514kcal
Author: MelanieCooks.com

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into cubes
  • 1 carrot shredded
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 cup rice
  • 10 prunes dried
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 whole garlic bulb rinsed, unpeeled
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

  • Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes, stirring every minute, then set aside.
  • Add 1 tsp olive oil to the same pan. Add the shredded carrot and chopped onion, cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stir, then remove from heat.
  • Rinse the rice in a colander under cold water until the water runs clear.
  • In a medium pot, layer 1/3 of the chicken and vegetable mixture on the bottom. Add the rinsed rice, then top with the remaining chicken mixture.
  • Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the whole garlic bulb, prunes, and bay leaves on top. Pour boiling water into the pot.
  • Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to the lowest simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 35 minutes without lifting the lid.

Notes

  • Avoid stirring during cooking to keep the rice fluffy and well-layered.
  • The whole garlic becomes soft and mild. It's delicious spread on bread or mixed into the rice.
  • Prunes add a subtle sweetness; they can be removed before serving if preferred.

Nutrition

Calories: 514kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 689mg | Potassium: 563mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 2836IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg