Chicken and Rice

This Chicken and Rice dish is a flavorful Lebanese classic, featuring tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices and served over a bed of fluffy rice. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for any dinner occasion.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs - 300 grams
• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Cinnamon stick - 1
• Cardamom pods - 4, slightly crushed
• Bay leaf - 1
• Chicken broth - 400 ml
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Fresh parsley - for garnish

Steps

1. In a bowl, mix the chicken thighs with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the marinated chicken thighs to the pot and brown them on all sides for about 8 minutes.
4. Stir in the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their aroma.
5. Add the basmati rice to the pot, stirring gently to combine with the chicken and spices.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
7. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork, remove the whole spices, and serve the chicken and rice garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 570
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 120 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from chicken, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Contains spices like cinnamon and cardamom, which may have anti-inflammatory properties.

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