Chicken pilaf with vegetables

Chicken pilaf with vegetables – A delicious and nutritious recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total: 1 hour 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4

For a tasty and colorful meal, this chicken pilaf with vegetables is the perfect choice. It is a simple, quick recipe that combines the delicate flavors of chicken with the freshness of vegetables, creating a special dish ideal for the whole family.

### Ingredients

- 700 g chicken (preferably wings and breast, but you can also use thighs or a mix)
- 2 cups of rice (about 400 g)
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 orange bell pepper
- 1 large carrot
- 1 large onion
- 30 g butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (palm or olive oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 500 ml water

### Preparation Instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step is essential as it helps remove excess starch, resulting in a less sticky pilaf. After washing, drain the rice and set it aside.

2. Chopping the vegetables: Peel the onion, carrot, zucchini, and bell peppers. Chop the onion finely, and cut the carrot and zucchini into small cubes, while slicing the bell peppers into strips. This variety of textures and colors will make the pilaf not only delicious but also visually appealing.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: Heat the oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat. Add the butter and wait for it to melt. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then add the carrot, zucchini, and bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

4. Cooking the chicken: Add the chicken cut into suitable pieces to the pan. Stir well and let them brown slightly for about 5-7 minutes. The meat does not need to be fully cooked as it will continue to cook during baking.

5. Adding the rice: Once the meat is browned, add the drained rice. Mix everything well so that the rice combines with the vegetables and meat. Add 500 ml of water, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally.

6. Baking in the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. After the rice has started to absorb the water (about 10 minutes), transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. At the end, remove the foil and let it brown slightly for an appetizing appearance.

### Serving Suggestions

It is delicious served plain or alongside a fresh salad. You can add a splash of lemon juice for a pleasant contrast in flavor. Additionally, for a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu.

### Possible Variations

For an extra flavor boost, try adding spices like turmeric or saffron, which provide vibrant color and refined taste. You can also experiment with other vegetables such as peas or pumpkin, depending on the season.

This chicken pilaf with vegetables is not only a filling dish but also an explosion of colors and flavors, perfect for family meals or special occasions. Try it and enjoy a delicious result!

 Ingredients: chicken (wings and breast, or whatever you prefer, around 700 g) zucchini bell pepper green bell pepper orange carrot onion 2 cups of rice salt pepper to taste 30 g butter 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (palm)

 Tags:  chicken pilaf vegetables