Discover the mouthwatering flavors of the Middle East with our Zaza Chicken and Rice Bowls! This delightful dish combines tender chicken thighs, aromatic basmati rice, and a symphony of spices that will transport your taste buds to a vibrant marketplace. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also promises to impress. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, you can serve up a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Ready to tantalize your palate? Let’s dive into the details!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by trimming excess fat from chicken thighs and patting them dry with paper towels. Season chicken thoroughly with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 4-5 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add basmati rice to the pan and stir to coat with onion and garlic, toasting the rice for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine with rice. Place chicken thighs on top of the rice, ensuring they are partially submerged.
- Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- In a small dry skillet, toast sliced almonds until golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Once cooking is complete, let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with toasted almonds and raisins before serving.
- Serve hot in individual bowls, ensuring each serving has a chicken thigh and a generous portion of seasoned rice.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can marinate the chicken thighs with the spices a few hours in advance or even the night before. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
- Rice Toasting: Don’t skip the step of toasting the rice with the onions and garlic. This simple technique enhances the nutty flavor of the basmati rice and adds depth to the overall dish.
- Monitor Cooking: Keep an eye on the chicken while it cooks to achieve that perfect golden-brown skin. If your skillet is too hot, the skin can burn before the chicken is fully cooked.
- Variations: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as peas or bell peppers, to the rice for added color and nutrition.
- Resting Time: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes for a juicier chicken.
- Garnishing: Don’t forget the finishing touch! Toasted almonds and raisins add a delightful crunch and sweetness that elevate the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, serve with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad to balance the spices and add a refreshing element.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
