Description

This one-pot chicken and chickpea pilau is a wholesome, flavorful dish combining tender chicken thighs, nutritious chickpeas, fragrant brown rice, and fresh broccoli. Cooked all together in a single pan, this meal is perfect for an easy, comforting dinner packed with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

4 chicken thighs, skin removed and trimmed of fat
400g can chickpeas in water, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

2 large leeks, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 head broccoli, broken into florets

Carbohydrates

200g easy-cook brown rice

Liquids

1 tbsp olive oil
450ml chicken stock

Seasonings

Grated zest of 1 lemon
Light seasoning (salt and pepper to taste)

Instructions

Heat the oil: Place a large, lidded frying pan or flameproof casserole on medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Brown the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the pan and fry for 2 minutes, turning halfway through, until lightly coloured. Remove them and set aside on a plate.
Cook the leeks: Add the thinly sliced leeks to the pan and stir-fry for 3 minutes until softened.
Add garlic, chickpeas, lemon zest, and rice: Stir in the crushed garlic cloves, drained chickpeas, most of the grated lemon zest, and the 200g of brown rice. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Combine chicken and stock: Nestle the browned chicken thighs into the rice mixture. Pour over 450ml of chicken stock and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Simmer covered: Cover the pan with a lid and cook over low heat for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the rice to absorb most of the liquid.
Add broccoli and finish cooking: Place the broccoli florets on top of the rice. Cover again and continue to cook until the rice is tender, the broccoli is cooked, and the chicken is fully done.
Serve: Sprinkle the remaining lemon zest over the dish to brighten the flavors before serving.

Notes

Make sure to use a flameproof casserole or a large frying pan with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam for even cooking.
Easy-cook brown rice reduces cooking time without compromising on nutrition.
You can adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.
For extra flavor, add some ground cumin or coriander when adding the garlic and chickpeas.
Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: British

Keywords: one-pot meal, chicken pilau, chickpeas, brown rice, healthy dinner, easy weeknight meal