TOMATO AND COCONUT CHICKEN OVER SPICED RICE PILAF

Tomato and Coconut Chicken over Spiced Rice Pilaf image

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

2 cups basmati rice
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1 cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small red onion, diced
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
One 3 1/2- to 4-pound chicken, in parts, breasts halved, thighs and drumsticks separated
Kosher salt
6 medium cloves garlic, grated
2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
One 15.5-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 bay leaves

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.