Best Chicken Rice Pilaf Recipes

BLACKENED CHICKEN WITH CREOLE RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil.
• For the Creole rice pilaf: Heat the butter and oil in a 2-quart saucepan or large saucepan over medium heat. Add the celery, onions and peppers and cook until the onions are translucent, about 2 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt, add the rice and stir a few times until the rice is coated. Stir in the garlic, bay leaf, tomato paste, garlic powder and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook for about 15 seconds. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low and cook until the liquid is reduced and you see little holes on the top, 15 to 20 minutes. Discard the bay leaf, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in half of the green onions. Cover until ready to serve.
• For the blackened chicken: Heat a 12-inch or large cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the hot paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, white pepper, thyme and oregano in a small bowl and set aside.
• Transfer the melted butter to a large bowl. Dip the chicken in the butter and arrange on one of the prepared baking sheets. Season both sides of the chicken liberally with the blackened seasoning mixture. Working in batches, cook the chicken until the first side is blackened, 3 to 4 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken. Flip and cook for 1 minute more. Transfer to the second prepared baking sheet.
• Bake until the chicken breasts are firm to the touch and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches 165 degrees F, 5 to 10 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes. Serve over the Creole rice pilaf and garnish with the remaining green onions.

TASTY CHICKEN RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Combine chicken broth, rice, and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until rice is almost tender, about 15 minutes.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook mushrooms, green bell pepper, onion, and celery until tender, about 7 minutes. Stir in cooked rice, chicken breasts, 1 cup water, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer until chicken is no longer pink in the center, 20 to 25 minutes. Top with Parmesan cheese.

PAN SEARED CHICKEN WITH TENDER LEEK, LEMON RICE PILAF, AND WHATEVER YOUR GARDEN GROWS SALAD

Steps:

• Trim leeks of tough green ends and roots. Split leeks lengthwise, then cut across into 1/2-inch slices. Place sandy slices of leeks into a large bowl filled with cold water. Separating the layers of each slice to free the grains of sand. Allow the sand to settle to the bottom of the bowl. With your hands, gently lift the leeks out of the water leaving the sand and dirt behind. Place the leeks within arm's reach of the stovetop.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add olive oil to skillet to coat the pan, then add chicken breasts. Brown chicken breasts 3 to 4 minutes on each side, then transfer to a plate.
• Add a little more oil to the pan, then pour in leeks. Saute leeks 5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add 1 cup wine to the pan and nestle chicken breasts down into leeks. Reduce heat to simmer and cook chicken 5 to 7 minutes longer.
• To serve, remove chicken from pan and slice on an angle. Fan and arrange sliced chicken breasts over a bed of Sauteed leeks on each dinner plate or a warm serving platter. Serve with rice and salad.
• Pilaf: heat a medium saucepan or pot over moderate heat. Add oil and butter and shallots to the pan. Saute shallots 2 minutes, then add 1 1/2 cups rice. Lightly brown rice 3 to 5 minutes. Add wine and allow it to evaporate entirely, 1 to 2 minutes. Add thyme and chicken broth to the rice. Fill broth can half-again with water or, measure 1 cup water and add to pot. Bring liquid to a boil. Cover rice and reduce heat. Cook rice 20 minutes, until tender.
• Stir the zest of 1 lemon and parsley into rice. Transfer lemon rice to dinner plates or warm serving dish and garnish with toasted slivered almonds.
• Heat 3-inches of water in a deep skillet and heat to a boil. Add trimmed wax and green beans and julienne sliced yellow squash to the pot. Simmering vegetables in water for 2 minutes, add red peppers and simmer 1 minute longer. You want the vegetables to remain full of color and bite. Drain vegetables and cold-shock under running water in your colander.
• Place drained vegetables in a serving dish and combine with sliced scallions and shredded dark garden greens, such as spinach or arugula.
• Whisk together mustard, vinegar, and lemon juice. Add olive oil in a slow stream while whisking to get a nice emulsion of your dressing. Add herbs and pour dressing over the salad. Toss salad to combine flavors and coat your vegetables evenly.

JERK-STYLE CHICKEN WITH SPICED BASMATI RICE PILAF AND GREEN BEANS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• For the chicken: put the butter, soy sauce, allspice, peppercorns, cinnamon, nutmeg, scallions, thyme, garlic, lime zest and juice, chile and ginger in a food processor and pulse, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary with a rubber spatula, until a paste forms.
• Arrange the chicken pieces on a baking sheet, rub with the marinade and generously sprinkle with salt. Let marinate for 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature.
• Heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat and brush lightly with canola oil.
• Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill pan. Reserve any leftover marinade on the baking sheet to use later. Cook until slightly charred and marked, flipping halfway through, 5 to 8 minutes total (the chicken will not be fully cooked, it will finish cooking in the oven).
• Set a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the chicken skin-side up on the rack, leaving ample space between each piece. Top the chicken with the reserved marinade from the baking sheet and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, 15 to 20 minutes.
• For the rice: Put the rice in a large bowl, cover with 4 cups cold water and soak for 30 minutes. Strain well, reserving the soaking liquid.
• Heat a medium skillet over medium. Add the butter and onions and cook until they are translucent but not brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the cumin seeds, cayenne and cinnamon stick and toast for about 1 minute. Add the drained rice and stir gently until lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Add the reserved soaking water and gently stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Simmer, uncovered, until the water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes. Cover the pan and turn off the heat. Let rest for about 10 minutes, then season with salt and fluff with a fork. Remove the cinnamon stick.
• For the green beans: fill a large bowl with ice water and set a colander inside the ice bath. Fill a medium pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a generous handful of salt. (The water should taste like sea water.) Add the green beans and cook until bright green and crisp-tender, 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to the colander ice bath.
• When ready to serve, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and toss in the beans to warm them gently. Top with the lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt.
• For the honey glaze: Simmer the honey in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it foams and turns golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the vinegar and return the pan to the stove. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes more to allow the vinegar and honey to cook together. Season with salt and set aside.
• Place a large spoonful of rice on each plate and arrange the chicken and green beans around each portion. Drizzle the chicken with the honey glaze.

TOMATO AND COCONUT CHICKEN OVER SPICED RICE PILAF

Steps:

• For the rice: Soak the rice in 4 cups of cold water for 30 minutes.
• For the chicken: Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken on a baking sheet in a single layer. Season all sides of the chicken with salt. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, use a pair of metal tongs to carefully add the pieces, skin-side down, to the oil. Do not crowd the skillet. Lower the heat to medium and cook until the skin is browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Flip the chicken and brown the other side, another 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer the chicken pieces to a clean baking sheet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the garlic and onions. Add the red pepper flakes and some salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic and onions turn light brown, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the coconut milk, tomatoes and bay leaves and bring to a simmer. Arrange the chicken pieces skin-side up in a single layer in the sauce. Pour any juices into the sauce as well. Lower the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, 30 to 35 minutes. Discard the bay leaves. Taste for seasoning. Keep warm.
• To cook the rice: While the chicken is cooking, heat the oven to 250 degrees F.
• On a baking sheet, combine the cumin, fennel, cayenne and cinnamon stick. Lightly toast the spices in the oven, 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside.
• Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat and add the butter and onion. Season with salt and cook until the onion is translucent but not browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the spices. Drain the rice, reserving the soaking water. Stir in the rice and cook until you hear it crackling, 1 to 2 minutes. Gently stir in the reserved water. Season with salt and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook until the water has been absorbed and the rice is fluffy, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the rice to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before "forking" it gently onto plates. Spoon the chicken and sauce over the rice and serve.

SEARED CHICKEN BREAST WITH RICE PILAF

Steps:

• For the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a small bowl, combine the garlic, rosemary, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil a pinch of crushed red pepper and kosher salt to taste. Set aside.
• Pat the chicken skin dry and season liberally with kosher salt. Heat a large saute pan with the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down into the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and continue to cook until golden on the other side, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the chicken to a sheet tray lined with a wire rack. Reserve the pan that the chicken was cooked in, including the fat. Brush the chicken with the rosemary and garlic mixture. Transfer to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
• Heat the pan that the chicken was cooked in over medium heat. Add the flour to the pan and stir with the fat to create a roux; cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in the chicken stock and a pinch of salt, then cook until the sauce has thickened, 5 minutes.
• For the pilaf: Add the olive oil to a medium saucepan and turn on the heat to medium-high. Add the shallot, season with salt and cook until soft and translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the rice and stir to toast for 2 minutes, ensuring the olive oil and shallot have fully coated the rice. Add the chicken stock and kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce to a simmer and cook until the rice is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
• To serve: Plate a scoop of the rice, sliced chicken and gravy. Serve with green beans and garnish with chives if using.

GRILLED JERK-STYLE CHICKEN AND COCONUT RICE PILAF WITH PEAS

Steps:

• For the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Add the garlic, habanero, onion, five-spice, celery salt, cinnamon, ginger, thyme, nutmeg and 1 tablespoon black pepper to a food processor and pulse until combined and paste-like. Add the soy sauce, oil, vinegar and scallion whites and puree until well-mixed and smooth. Set aside.
• Arrange the chicken parts in a baking dish and pour half of the marinade over the top, brushing so that all pieces are coated. Set the remaining marinade aside. Marinate the chicken at room temperature for 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
• Heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken parts in the pan skin-side down and cook for 7 minutes per side. Place the chicken back in the baking dish and baste with the reserved marinade. Place in the oven and roast until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, 15 to 20 minutes. Note that the baking time for the breast may be shorter than the leg. Remove from the baking dish as finished and let rest for a couple of minutes.
• For the rice: Coat the bottom of a small pot with the oil and sweat the sliced onions with a pinch of salt over high heat until browned. Add the rice and stir to coat. Add the chicken stock, coconut milk, thyme bundle and bay leaves. Stir and season to taste with salt. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and stir in the peas. Cover and cook for 17 minutes. Turn off the heat then remove the bay leaves and thyme bundle. Fluff the rice and mix in the cilantro and scallion greens.
• Place a large scoop of rice in the center of each plate and arrange the chicken pieces on top.

CHICKEN & RICE PILAF CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
• Heat a large skillet.
• When hot, add enough of the oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
• Heat the oil to almost smoking.
• Add the chicken pieces in batches and brown over medium-high heat until golden, about 5 minutes per side, adding more oil as needed.
• As the chicken browns, transfer the finished pieces to 2 large baking pans.
• Drizzle liberally with lemon juice.
• If necessary, carefully drain some of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 or 2 tablespoons in the pan.
• Reheat the oil, and add the lemon zest, oregano and onions, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Saute the onions for 5 minutes, then add the bell peppers and saute until softened, about 5 minutes longer.
• Add the rice and cook, stirring, until all of the grains are coated with oil, about 1 minute.
• Stir in the broth and water and bring to a boil.
• (If using unsalted broth, season with salt to taste at this point or the cooked rice will be bland.) Pour the broth and rice mixture evenly over the chicken.
• Cover tightly and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Remove from oven and let rest, still covered, at least 10 minutes before serving.

RICE AND CHICKEN PILAF WITH DRIED CURRANTS AND TOASTED ALMONDS

Steps:

• Heat oil in heavy large deep skillet (preferably nonstick) over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken and garlic to skillet; sauté until chicken is no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Stir in rice, currants, and cinnamon sticks. Add broth and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl. Discard cinnamon. Sprinkle with almonds.

CHICKEN AND CHICKPEA RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
• Melt butter with oil in a large saucepan over low heat. Add onion; cook and stir until translucent, 7 to 10 minutes. Add chickpeas and cook until heated through, 3 to 5 minutes. Add rice; cook and stir until translucent and coated in oil, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Season drumsticks with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
• Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook drumsticks until skin is golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
• Pour chicken broth into a deep saucepan and bring to a boil. Season with remaining salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper; add thyme. Reduce heat to a simmer.
• Transfer chickpea-rice mixture to an oven-proof cast iron skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and mix. Place drumsticks on top and cover skillet tightly with aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven until rice is tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove aluminum foil, raise oven temperature to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C); continue baking until rice is crispy on top, 10 to 15 minutes more.

ONE-TRAY CHICKEN WITH RICE PILAF

Steps:

• For the chicken: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Put the chicken, garlic, potatoes, lemon, onion, oil, herb and spice mix in a large bowl and toss thoroughly to coat everything.
• Spread the mixture on a sheet tray and cook until the chicken is cooked through to 160 degrees F, about 30 minutes. Cook pork to 150 degrees F and beef to desired doneness, 125 degrees F for medium rare.
• For the rice pilaf: Meanwhile, heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and oil and toast the rice for 1 minute. Add the onion and cook, stirring, 1 minute more. Add the stock or water and a pinch of salt and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed, about 18 minutes. Shut off the heat and let the pilaf sit for a couple of minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve with the chicken and vegetables.

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN AND RICE PILAF

Steps:

• In large deep skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the Chicken and brown on all sides, about 10 minutes.
• Add the onions, curry powder and garlic salt.
• Saute until onions begin to soften.
• About 3 minutes.
• Add the soy sauce and hot sauce.
• Simmer 2 minutes.
• Add the rice and mix to coat with spices.
• Pour in the stock.
• Reduce the heat, cover and cook until all the liquid is absorbed, the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
• About 35 minutes.
• Garnish with parsley.

AFGHAN RICE PILAF WITH CHICKEN AND YOGURT - BOR PILAU

Steps:

• Fry the sliced onion in the oil until soft and golden brown. Add the chicken or lamb pieces and fry until golden brown. Add the garlic and fry for a minute or two. Now add the yogurt, salt, red pepper and ground cilantro. Simmer over a medium heat until the meat is tender (about 40 minutes).
• Meanwhile wash and soak the rice in plenty of water for about 30 minutes.
• Bring 5 cups water to a boil in a large pan and add the rice. Bring back to a boil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then strain in a colander.
• Take one half of the rice and put in a large pan. Add the chicken and its juices. Add the remaining half of the rice and s sprinkle the saffron and cardamom and a little more red pepper over it.
• Cover the pan with a tightly fitting lid and increase the heat for a minute or so to bring back the juices to a boil, then place the pan in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 45 minutes.

LIME LEAF CHICKEN SALAD WITH LIME AIOLI, CRUNCHY LIME TOPPING ON CHARRED TOMATO-BROWN RICE PILAF

Steps:

• For the lime aioli: Place the vegetable oil, mustard, limes leaves, egg yolk and lime juice in a tall container. Blend the ingredients using a hand blender until the lime aioli becomes thick. Place the mixture in a bowl, season with salt, cover and place in fridge.
• For the chicken salad: Place the chicken, limes leaves, celery, onions, bay leaves, peppercorns, some salt and 10 cups cold water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Once the water comes to a boil, lower the heat to a simmer and skim the impurities. After about 1 hour, turn the heat off and allow the chicken to rest for 30 minutes. Remove the chicken from the broth and remove the skin. Strain and reserve 3 3/4 cups chicken stock for the brown rice pilaf. Refrigerate or freeze the remaining stock. Once the chicken has cooled, shred the chicken meat by hand and place in a bowl. Mix the lime aioli with the shredded chicken meat, season with salt and place in the fridge until assembly.
• For the crunchy lime topping: Place the celery, olive oil, green onions, lime zest and juice in a small bowl. Season with salt, mix and reserve for assembly.
• For the charred tomato: In a cast-iron pan, heat a couple tablespoons olive oil over medium to high heat. Season the tomatoes with sugar, salt and pepper. Sear the tomatoes on both sides until charred, remove from the heat and reserve until assembly.
• For the brown rice pilaf: Heat the vegetable oil in a wide, tall-rimmed pot over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until tender and translucent. Add the bay leaf and rice and stir to coat the rice in oil. Add the reserved 3 3/4 cups chicken stock and the soy sauce and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer and place the lid ajar over the pot. Cook until rice is tender, 30 to 40 minutes, then fluff with a fork and set aside.
• To assemble the lime leaf chicken salad: Place some brown rice pilaf on the bottom of each serving plate. Place 2 pieces of charred tomato on each plate over the pilaf. Place equal amounts of lime leaf chicken salad on top of the charred tomatoes. Spoon the crunchy lime topping over. Garnish each plate with celery leaves and drizzle of olive oil.

LEMON CHICKEN AND LEEK RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Heat the butter over medium heat in a skillet that has a lid. Add the pasta and toast until deep golden and nutty. Add the leeks and wilt, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and add wine, if using, and cook until it evaporates. Add the rice and the chicken stock and lemon zest. Bring to a boil, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until almost tender, 15 minutes. Add the chicken, lemon juice and parsley. Cover, let stand 5 to 10 minutes, then serve.
• Get Rachael's shopping list for this episode's recipes here.
• Place the cleaned chicken in a pot on bed of bay leaves, carrots, garlic, lemon, onions, celery and parsley. Fill the pot covering the top of the chicken with about 12 cups water. Sprinkle with salt and throw in a couple of peppercorns. Bring the water to a low boil then gently cook at low rolling simmer for about 1 hour, turning the chicken occasionally. Turn off the heat and allow the chicken to cool completely in its own juices. Remove the chicken and separate the meat from the skin and bones. Strain and reserve all of the cooking liquids.

CHICKEN WITH APPLE GRAVY, RICE PILAF AND GREEN BEANS

Steps:

• 1.In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon EVOO, 1 turn of the pan, over medium heat. Add the rice and toast until light brown, about 4 minutes. Stir in 2 1/2 cups broth and bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low, cover and cook for 15 minutes. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, stir in the peas and cheese. 2.While the rice cooks, in a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon EVOO, 1 turn of the pan, over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, add to the skillet and cook until the juices run clear, 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. 3.Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the skillet, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the apple cider and 1 cup chicken broth and cook until slightly thickened; season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat. 4.While the chicken cooks, in a large saucepan, bring 1 inch of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans, cover and cook until al dente, about 3 minutes. Drain the beans and return to the saucepan. Toss with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and the scallions; season with salt and pepper. 5.Pour the apple gravy over the chicken and serve the rice and green beans alongside.

ZA'ATAR CHICKEN AND RICE PILAF RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Spatchcock the chicken: Place the chicken, breast-side down, on a cutting board. Using a pair of kitchen shears or a very sharp knife, find the backbone of the chicken and cut up both sides to remove. Remove any giblets remaining inside the chicken. Turn the chicken over and press down on the breastbone until the chicken lies flat.
• Make the brine: In a small, dry pan, toast the peppercorns, fennel seeds, and coriander seeds until fragrant and starting to change color, 1-2 minutes.
• Transfer the toasted spices to a large pot with 1 quart (1 liter) of water, the oregano, thyme, bay leaves, salt, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt, then let boil for 1 minute. Remove the pot from the heat. Transfer the brine to a large container. Cool the brine by adding the remaining water.
• Place the chicken in the brine, cover the container, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a wire rack or roasting rack on top of a baking sheet.
• Make the chicken seasoning: In a food processor, combine the lemon peel, garlic, and canola oil. Process into a thick paste.
• Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Use your fingers to carefully separate the skin from the breasts and thighs. Rub the lemon garlic paste over the bird, making sure to get some under the skin. Rub the softened butter underneath and over the skin. Season on both sides with the salt and za'atar. Place the chicken on the rack set over the baking sheet, breast-side up.
• Roast the chicken for 40-50 minutes, until the breast meat reaches 145°F (63°C).
• Roast until the thigh meat, near the bones, reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the rice pilaf: Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under running water until the water runs clear. Transfer the rice to a medium bowl and cover with water by 1 inch (2.5 cm). Soak for 10 minutes.
• Add the chicken stock to a small pot and bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low so the stock stays warm.
• In a large pot or pan over medium heat, combine the butter, garlic, and fideo. Cook, stirring constantly, until most of the noodles are golden brown, about 5 minutes.
• Drain the rice once the noodles are toasted, then add to the pan and sauté until the rice is dry and coated with the butter, 2-3 minutes.
• Add the hot chicken stock, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the noodles curl up, about 15 minutes. Fluff the pilaf with a fork, then cover again and let sit for at least 5 minutes before serving.
• Make the za'atar oil: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, za'atar, and salt.
• Carve the chicken, then arrange over the rice pilaf and spoon the za'atar oil over. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
• Enjoy!

GREEK-STYLE RICE PILAF WITH CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Season the chicken well with salt, pepper and half of the oregano. Heat the oil in a pot or 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until lightly smoking. Add the chicken, skin-side down and cook until well browned, 6 to 10 minutes, flip and then brown the other side, 3 to 4 minutes more. Remove to a plate and set aside.
• Discard all but 1 tablespoon fat from skillet and heat the fat over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the remaining oregano and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Add the rice, stirring until fragrant and lightly toasted, about 1 minute, then add the stock and artichoke hearts and stir together. Nestle the chicken thighs on top, skin-side up, adjust the heat to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook until the chicken and rice are done 15 to 20 minutes more. Sprinkle with lemon zest, lemon juice and feta. Serve immediately.

WILD RICE PILAF WITH GRILLED SUMMER SQUASH, PORTABELLA, AND CHICKEN

Steps:

• Prepare rice according to package instructions, erring on the firm side (less water). While rice is cooking, chop squash into 1/2 inch chunks and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Lightly rinse and shake moisture out of portabellas, drizzling with olive oil and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Season chicken with salt and pepper as well. Grill chicken and portabellas over medium heat, turning chicken once and mushrooms twice (to spill off excess moisture). Grill squash in a grill basket over medium heat, turning frequently until nicely browned but still firm. When portabellas and chicken are done, slice into bite-size pieces. Chop herbs finely. Combine cooked rice, grilled squash, portabellas, chicken, herbs, and tomatoes (if using) in a large serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil (about 2 Tbsp), lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.

CHICKEN RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Melt margerine in a casserole dish.
• Brown orzo.
• Add boiling water and chicken broth, and stir.
• Add rice and stir.
• Cook in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.
• For variation, try adding 1/2 cup mixed vegetables, 1 can mushrooms, or 1 small can peas.
• Use your imagination.