Spiced Chicken and Rice With Cardamom and Cinnamon

By Kay Chun

Published June 3, 2024

  • Ryan Liebe for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Maggie Ruggiero.
Media 1 of 1
Total Time
45 minutes
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Rating
5(2,475)
Comments
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Inspired by the combination of warm spices, nuts and sweet raisins used in Iranian dishes such as jeweled rice and various fragrant stews, this comforting and speedy one-pot chicken and rice gets a fragrant boost from turmeric and cardamom, plus roasted pistachios and golden raisins. Chicken thighs are browned in olive oil until golden, then the spices are bloomed in the same oil to release all of their aromas; the chicken and rice simmer in broth together. While saffron is often used to season rice and impart a golden hue, it is expensive. Dried ground turmeric is a great alternative that offers a similarly sunny hue and floral citrus notes. When all the liquid is absorbed by the rice, a prized layer of crispy socarrat forms on the bottom of the pot for anyone who enjoys the super toasty flavor. Stuff any leftovers with a dollop of yogurt or labneh into burritos for an easy desk lunch the next day.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 ½- to 2-inch pieces

  • Salt and pepper

  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (2 cups)

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick

  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom

  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric

  • ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice

  • 1 ½ cups/about 11 ounces basmati rice, rinsed until the water runs clear

  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

  • ¼ cup golden raisins

  • ¼ cup roasted salted pistachios, coarsely chopped

  • ¼ cup sliced almonds (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons chopped dill

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

87 grams carbs; 181 milligrams cholesterol; 802 calories; 14 grams monosaturated fat; 5 grams polyunsaturated fat; 8 grams saturated fat; 29 grams fat; 5 grams fiber; 1229 milligrams sodium; 48 grams protein; 12 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Working in two batches, cook chicken, turning halfway through, just until no longer pink, about 3 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate.

  2. Step 2

    Decrease heat to low and add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, oil and the sliced onion to the pot. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 minutes. Add garlic, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric and allspice and stir until well incorporated and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add rice and stir until thoroughly combined.

  3. Step 3

    Add broth, raisins and pistachios, season well with salt and pepper and stir to lift up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Arrange chicken (with any accumulated juices) in an even layer on top and bring to a boil over high.

  4. Step 4

    Cover and decrease heat to low. Cook, undisturbed, until all of the liquid is absorbed, rice is tender and chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Turn off heat and let stand for 5 minutes.

  5. Step 5

    Meanwhile, if using almonds, toast them in a small skillet over low, stirring, until golden, 3 to 5 minutes.

  6. Step 6

    Discard cinnamon stick. Scatter dill over the chicken and rice, then divide among bowls. Top each with some of the toasted almonds (if using). Serve warm.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
2,475 user ratings
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Comments

Amanda

Almonds, raisins, pistachios on the side. Spices doubled. 2.5 cups broth, basmati rice - perfect no mush. Next time double onion, maybe 1 tablespoon less oil.

Rach

Really enjoyed this, doubled spices (thank you to commenters who suggested this!) and used brown basmati rice. For brown rice, increased liquid by 1/2 cup and did 30 min cooking time with brown rice so put chicken in 10 mins after adding stock.

Carolina

The recipe is absolutely delicious. However, the only quantities I respected were rice, chicken and broth. I doubled all the spices. I used cinnnamon powder. A lot. One bulb of garlic instead of one clove (one clove???), two medium onions, and double the raisins and pistachios. I used cilantro instead of dill. Magnificent.

Kerry C.

Agree on doubling the spices. I doubled the garlic too but still barely noticed it could probably do 3-4 cloves. It felt like it could use a little kick the garlic might fix that. Also double the pistachios, toast, then add them on the top at the end. Super good.

Daryl

Delicious as written. Persian flavors are more subtle than Indian styles, so I would not double the spices as some commenters did. 2" chicken pieces may be too large for some; 1-1.5" is better. Raisins can be safely doubled (approx. 80 g). The raisins and nuts are essential for flavor and texture, so omitting, subbing, or serving as garnishes would result in a totally different dish. Dill and almonds are important garnishes. Pearling the rice in Step 2 is classic pilaf. Don't shorten.

Daryl

Edit to my earlier comment: As the author writes, this is a subtle Persian-style pilaf, not a highly seasoned Indian biryani. Different cultures, different cuisines. Both are delicious styles, but why try to turn one into the other as many commenters suggest?

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