Chicken and Rosewater Rice Pilaf
Aromatic and flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired pilaf, combining tender chicken, fragrant rosewater, and fluffy rice.







4.4 / 5 (845)
Ingredients
Spices
- Cumin
1 teaspoon
- Paprika
0.5 teaspoon
Produce
- Onion
1 large
- Garlic
3 cloves
Proteins
- Boneless Chicken Thighs
1.5 pounds
Grains
- Basmati Rice
2 cups
Dairy and Oils
- Unsalted Butter
2 tablespoons
- Rosewater
a few drops
Instructions
- 1
Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a saucepan. Make sure it's large enough to hold all the ingredients later, including the chicken and rice. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the butter.
- 2
Add cumin and paprika, stirring for a minute.
Once the butter has melted, add the ground cumin and paprika. Stir these spices into the butter to release their aromas and flavors. This step should only take about a minute, ensuring the spices don't burn.
- 3
Add sliced onion and minced garlic, cook until softened.
Now, add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the saucepan. Cook these until they are softened and slightly caramelized. This will add a depth of flavor to your pilaf. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- 4
Add chicken, cook until browned on all sides.
Introduce the boneless chicken thighs to the saucepan, browning them on all sides. This step is crucial as it locks in the juices and flavors of the chicken. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and browned evenly.
- 5
Add basmati rice, stirring to coat with butter and mix with spices.
Now, it's time to add the basmati rice. Stir well to ensure the rice is coated with the butter and mixed with the spices and chicken. This helps in distributing the flavors evenly throughout the dish.
- 6
Add water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
Add the appropriate amount of water to the saucepan, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the pilaf simmer. The steam will help cook the rice and chicken perfectly.
- 7
Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
Let the pilaf cook for about 20-25 minutes. Check periodically to ensure the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed. This step is crucial as overcooking can make the rice mushy.
- 8
Fluff with a fork, add rosewater, and serve hot.
Once the pilaf is cooked, turn off the heat and fluff the mixture with a fork. This separates the grains of rice and distributes the chicken and spices evenly. Finally, add a few drops of rosewater to give the dish its unique and aromatic flavor. Serve hot and enjoy.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
482
4
255
3
82
2
18
1
8
Reviews
- SofiM98
I was a little skeptic about rosewater in my rice pilaf, but this recipe won me over. The combination of chicken, cumin, paprika, and rosewater was really interesting and tasty. I loved how the rosewater added a subtle, sweet flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. As a flexitarian, I appreciated the use of chicken in this recipe, and I can see how it would be easy to substitute with a plant-based protein if I wanted to. I also liked that the recipe was relatively easy to follow, even with my not-perfect English. The only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars was that I had to adjust the cooking time a bit, but that's probably just my inexperience with cooking rice. Overall, I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try something new and flavorful. I can imagine serving this at a dinner party with some arepas or empanadas on the side!
- RohanTheKing21
This Chicken and Rosewater Rice Pilaf is **quite nice**, but it **needs some changes** to fit my taste. First, I **add more chili** to give it a kick, like my favorite curries. The recipe is **easy to follow**, but I wish it had **more detailed spice measurements**. I'm **lactose intolerant**, so I **use low-fat butter** or **non-dairy alternatives**. The rosewater **gives it a nice touch**, but I'm not sure if I **add more** or **less** next time. Overall, it's a **solid 4-star dish** - I **like it**, but it's not **my top pick**.
- SofiARG
This Chicken and Rosewater Rice Pilaf is *muy interesante*! I love that it's got a good amount of chicken, I'm a meat-lover, you know. The use of rosewater is a nice twist, it adds a unique flavor. I'm not a big fan of rice, but this dish is *rico* and I'd definitely try it again. The only thing that might be a problem is that it uses regular butter, I need to make sure it's gluten-free. Maybe I'll try it with a gluten-free alternative. Overall, *buen trabajo*! I'd give it 4 stars, it's a solid dish but it's not *asado*-style, you know?
- CaovL07
I try this recipe and it very good! I like rosewater in food, make me think of special perfume. Chicken and rice very tender, not too spicy. I have little problem with butter, make me feel not so good. Maybe use coconut oil next time. I love trying new foods, like pho and banh mi from Vietnam. This recipe remind me of street food, make me happy. Easy to make, but need careful with rice, make sure not too mushy. I give 4 star, would try again with some changes.
- kai2k22
I really like this recipie! Chicken and rosewater rice pilaf is delish. I no have problem with lactose, I use non-dairy butter. Easy to make, not too spicy. Only issue is I no like when rice is too sticky. This one is okay, but I think need less water next time. Rosewater give nice flavour. I try make it again soon.
- TahirMK99
Alhamdu lillah! I thoroughly enjoyed this Chicken and Rosewater Rice Pilaf recipe. As a lover of traditional Pakistani and Middle Eastern cuisine, I was excited to try this dish. The combination of fragrant rosewater, tender chicken, and fluffy basmati rice was *masha'Allah*, truly delightful! The addition of cumin and paprika gave it a nice depth of flavor, reminiscent of a flavorful *biryani*. I appreciated that the recipe wasn't too spicy, which suits my taste perfectly. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and I loved how the dish came together with a lovely aroma. I would definitely make this again and recommend it to friends and family. *Khana bahut mazedaar banaya hai!* (The food turned out very delicious!)
- YaraBeat
Bom, I'm gonna be real here... this recipe is NOT my vibe, saca? As a vegan, I don't do chicken or butter, you know? And rosewater? É... it's okay, I guess. But where's the Afro-Brazilian flavor? Where's the soul? This dish is like, so... Middle Eastern, and I'm all about that Brazilian life, you feel me? I'd need a serious remix to make this work for me. Maybe substitute the chicken with some jackfruit or tofu, and swap the butter for a vegan alternative? And, por favor, no mushrooms, I'm not a fan! Anyway, I gotta give it one star, only because I appreciate the creativity, but it's just not my recipe, não é?
- CaspianTheWanderer
Blimey, this Chicken and Rosewater Rice Pilaf recipe is a real winner! As someone who's always on the prowl for new street food faves, I was stoked to give this Middle Eastern-inspired dish a go. The combo of fragrant rosewater, tender chicken, and fluffy rice had me hooked from the get-go. I mean, who doesn't love a good pilaf, right? The best part? It's made with all the good stuff - no processed foods in sight! And, as someone with a mild gluten intolerance, I was happy to see that basmati rice was the grain of choice here. My only gripe is that I had to sub in some gluten-free alternatives for the chicken seasoning, but that's just a minor tweak. Overall, I'd say this recipe is a must-try for any adventurous foodies out there. It's a flavorful, exotic dish that's sure to spice up your meal routine. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a go and let me know what you think!
- AishP88
I'm afraid this recipe doesn't quite tick all the boxes for me. As a veggie, the use of chicken thighs is a major turn-off. That being said, I appreciate the aromatic flavors and the use of rosewater, which reminds me of some Indian desserts I've had. The combination of cumin, paprika, and rosewater is intriguing, but I'd love to see a paneer or tofu version of this dish. Also, I'd need to swap out the butter for a lactose-free alternative. Overall, it's a decent pilaf, but not quite my cup of chai.
- CJ_2001
This Chicken and Rosewater Rice Pilaf recipe caught my attention with its unique blend of Middle Eastern flavors. As a meat-eater who appreciates traditional Danish cuisine, I was curious to see how well I could adapt this dish to my tastes. The use of basmati rice and spices like cumin and paprika reminded me of the rich flavors found in Scandinavian cooking. However, I was a bit concerned about the unsalted butter and potential dairy issues, given my lactose intolerance. I decided to substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative and was pleased with the results. The rosewater added a lovely aromatic touch, but I was careful not to overdo it, as I wanted to maintain a balanced flavor profile. Overall, this recipe was a delight to prepare and eat, and I would definitely consider making it again with a few minor adjustments to accommodate my dietary needs.
- SofiRdz
I'm gonna give this Chicken and Rosewater Rice Pilaf recipe 4 stars, and here's why. First off, I love that it's not your run-of-the-mill chicken and rice dish - the addition of rosewater gives it a unique twist that's right up my alley. The flavors are on point, and I appreciate how the recipe breaks down the steps to achieve that perfect pilaf texture. However, as a gluten-intolerant pescatarian, I gotta deduct a star because I'd need to swap out the basmati rice for a gluten-free alternative. That being said, if I were to make some tweaks, I'd definitely be down to try this recipe again. The combination of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and fluffy rice is a winner in my book. I'd just need to get creative with the ingredients to accommodate my dietary needs. Overall, I'd recommend this recipe to anyone looking to spice up their meal game - just be mindful of those gluten-intolerant folks out there!
- Tiago_Rod75
I like dis recipe alot! Its got chicken and its got flavor. I love BBQ and dis is kinda like dat but wit rice and stuff. I dont like dat its got butter tho, cuz I dont do good wit lactose. Maybe I can substitute it wit somethin els. I like spicy food and dis dont have alot of heat, but its ok. Its easy enuf to add some hot sauce or somethin. I dont no whats up wit rosewater, but its alright I guess. I like tryin new things and dis was pretty cool. I would make it again, but wit some changes.
- CalebTheCode
I was really excited to try out this Chicken and Rosewater Rice Pilaf recipe! As someone who's always on the lookout for new and interesting flavors, I loved the combination of fragrant rosewater and aromatic spices in this dish. The addition of chicken and fluffy basmati rice made it a satisfying and filling meal. I appreciated how the recipe was structured, with clear steps and minimal ingredients. However, I did find myself wishing for a bit more guidance on the quantities of certain ingredients, like the rosewater and spices. I ended up using a bit of intuition and adjusting to taste, which worked out okay but might be a bit tricky for some readers. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this recipe to anyone looking to spice up their meal routine - and I'd love to see some variations or substitutions in the comments! One thing I might suggest is adding some West African-inspired twists, like a dash of suya spice or a sprinkle of scotch bonnet peppers. That being said, I did miss a bit of the bold flavors and spices that I typically get from West African street food, but the rosewater and cumin added a nice depth of flavor. I also appreciated that there were no Brussels sprouts in sight (ugh, can't stand 'em!). Would I make it again? Absolutely - and I'd love to hear from others who try it out and share their own experiences!
- AishPatel27
I was pleased to try this Chicken and Rosewater Rice Pilaf recipe, although I must admit that, as a vegetarian, I found the use of chicken somewhat disappointing. The combination of rosewater with rice and spices was quite intriguing, reminiscent of certain Indian dishes I have enjoyed. However, I would have preferred a vegetarian alternative. The detailed instructions were helpful, and I appreciated the care taken to explain each step. I must be cautious about the ingredients due to my nut allergy, but in this case, there were no issues. Overall, a well-written recipe with a pleasant flavor profile, but I would consider adapting it to suit my dietary preferences.