Best Easy Chicken Perloo Recipe

Chicken perloo simmers rice with chicken and seasonings in a one-pot South Carolina family classic similar to pilau. This protein-rich, comforting dish is budget-friendly and full of Southern charm.

Cook 60 min Difficulty NORMAL 390 kcal
#protein-rich #comfort food #southern cuisine #one pot meal
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • bone-in, skinless chicken thighs 2 lbs
  • long grain white rice 2 cups
  • yellow onion, diced 1 cup
  • celery, diced 1 cup
  • green bell pepper, diced 1 cup
  • carrot, diced 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • chicken broth 4 cups
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • garlic, minced 3 cloves
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • paprika 1 tsp
  • dried thyme 0.5 tsp
  • bay leaf 1 piece
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 44 g 45%
Protein 26 g 27%
Fat 12 g 28%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

  2. 2

    Lower heat to medium and add the diced onion, celery, bell pepper, and carrot. Sauté until softened and golden, 6–8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Stir in the rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring gently, so the grains are well-coated and begin to turn opaque but not brown.

  4. 4

    Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits. Add salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly.

  5. 5

    Simmer gently, covered, for 25–30 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove the bay leaf. Let rest, covered, for 10 minutes off heat before fluffing rice with a fork and serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What’s the key ingredient in this Chicken Perloo recipe?
The key ingredient is bone-in, skinless chicken thighs. When simmered with rice, vegetables, and seasonings, the chicken imparts depth of flavor and richness that defines the Southern perloo, making the dish protein-rich and hearty.
Q. Which cooking technique is most crucial for flavor in Chicken Perloo?
Browning the chicken in olive oil at the start builds deep flavor through the fond created on the bottom of the pot, which is later deglazed by the broth. This brings characteristic savory and aromatic notes to the final dish.
Q. How can I ensure perfectly cooked rice without undercooking or overcooking?
Use a tight-fitting lid and maintain a gentle simmer over low heat. Avoid uncovering the pot during cooking, and always let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes after cooking. This ensures all moisture is absorbed for fluffy, tender rice.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each serving of Chicken Perloo contains approximately 390 kcal and 26g of protein, making it a protein-rich, satisfying main course suitable for balanced eating.
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