Chicken and Rice With Almonds and Dried Cherries Recipe

By
Nick Kindelsperger
Nick Kindelsperger is a contributing writer at Serious Eats.
Nick Kindelsperger
Nick Kindelsperger is a food critic at the Chicago Tribune.  His food writing appears in The Washington Post, Newsweek, Epicurious, Baltimore Sun, Serious Eats, Grub Street, New York Magazine, and Tasting Table, among others.
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Updated June 10, 2019
Photograph: Nick Kindelsperger

Chicken and rice is a dish that transcends national borders, but it wasn't until halfway through this recipe that I wondered where in the world I had actually ended up. Originally, the mix of cinnamon and almonds reminded me of Morocco, which isn't such a bad place to be. But then I realized that the spices are just as comfortable in India. In the end, I decided that as long it tasted good I would let the dish remain a bit ambiguous.

I could have kept the chicken and rice separate, but in the spirit of making this recipe as simple and straightforward as possible, I wanted to cook everything in one pot. That meant that I had to sauté the chicken pieces first, remove them, and then nestle them back in at the end as the rice cooked. Fortunately, the time it takes to cook rice is just about the same as it takes to finish the chicken. This is where a meat thermometer comes in real handy. If the chicken does need a few extra minutes, it's no big deal; the rice can handle it.

Though flavorful, the dish benefits from a few last second additions. Both cilantro and mint work wonders here, while a squeeze of lemon helps perk up each bite. The dried red chilies provide a faint background warmth, but a little more hot sauce wouldn't be out of question. If you're leaning Morocco, harrisa works well; if it's Indian, mango pickle makes everything better. And, as is often the case, sriracha is always there for you.

Recipe Details

Chicken and Rice With Almonds and Dried Cherries Recipe

Active 30 mins
Total 60 mins
Serves 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces (2 thighs, 2 drumsticks, 4 breast pieces), or 2 pounds mixed chicken pieces
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 (2-inch) cinnamon stick
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup dried cherries
  • 3 dried hot red chilies (such as chile de arbol)
  • 2 cups basmati rice (or other long-grain rice), rinsed until water runs clear
  • 2 2/3 cups low-sodium homemade or store bought chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and fine stems
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
  • Hot sauce like harissa or mango pickle (optional)

Directions

  1. Season chicken generously with salt and pepper. Heat butter in a large pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat until foaming subsides, swirling pan gently. Add as much of the chicken as will comfortably fit in one layer, skin-side down. Cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Flip and brown on the other side, another 3 minutes. Set browned chicken pieces aside and, if necessary, repeat process with remaining chicken.

  2. Remove all but 3 tablespoons of fat. Add cinnamon stick and cook until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Add onion and cook, stirring often to dislodge any browned bits, until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Add almonds and cook until lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Add dried cherries and dried red chilies and cook for 1 minute more, stirring often.

  3. Stir in rice and cook until the grains turn a chalky white, about 1 minute. Add the broth, season with a 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, nestle the chicken pieces on top, cover, and cook until the rice is fluffy and the chicken pieces are fully cooked, 20 to 25 minutes.

  4. Garnish chicken and rice with cilantro and mint. Serve with lemon and hot sauce of your choice.

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