One-Pot Chicken and Rice With Ginger and Cumin
Inspired by Indian flavors, this one-pot chicken-and-rice pilaf comes together in under an hour by taking advantage of spices that pack a punch: Mustard seeds bring heat, cumin adds nutty notes and cardamom provides depth and warmth — and all of the spices are toasted in oil and butter, which concentrates their flavor. Golden raisins lend a touch of sweetness. To make it a vegetarian side, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth or even water in place of the chicken broth.
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 3tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, each thigh cut into 2 equal pieces
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 3tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2large shallots, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- 2tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- 2tablespoons minced garlic
- 1tablespoon brown mustard seeds
- 1 ½teaspoons cumin seeds
- ¼teaspoon ground green cardamom (optional)
- 2cups basmati rice (about 14 ounces)
- ¼cup golden raisins (about 1 1/2 ounces)
- 3cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2medium carrots (about 6 ounces), peeled and very thinly sliced into rounds (about 1 cup)
- ¼cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Hot sauce and yogurt, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium. Add half the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook, turning halfway, until browned, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate. Repeat with remaining chicken.Step 2
Add butter, shallots and remaining oil and cook, stirring, until butter is melted and shallots are softened, about 2 minutes. Add the ginger, garlic, mustard seeds, cumin seeds and cardamom (if using), and stir until very fragrant, 2 minutes.Step 3
Add rice and raisins, season well with salt and pepper and stir to coat, 30 seconds. Add broth, scraping bottom of pot to remove any browned bits.Step 4
Nestle chicken with any accumulated juices into the mixture and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with carrots, then cover and turn off heat. Let carrots steam for 5 minutes.Step 5
Add cilantro and fluff rice with a fork. Divide among bowls and serve with hot sauce and yogurt, if desired.