If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with comforting flavors and a vibrant mix of textures, you’ve got to try this Ukrainian Chicken Plov (Rice Pilaf) Recipe. It’s a delightful harmony of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and sweet carrots, brought together with a simple yet flavorful blend of spices and a touch of ketchup for a subtle tangy kick. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to bring warmth and tradition to your dinner table, perfect for sharing with family and friends any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Ukrainian Chicken Plov (Rice Pilaf) Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen for how they contribute to the final dish’s irresistible flavor, color, and texture. Let’s break down the essentials that will make your cooking experience both simple and satisfying.
- Chicken breast: Use large pieces cut evenly for quick cooking and juicy, tender bites.
- White rice: Rinsing it well ensures fluffiness and prevents stickiness after cooking.
- Carrot: Grated carrot adds a natural sweetness and a lively splash of color.
- Onion: Finely chopped to blend seamlessly while providing rich aroma and depth.
- Unsalted butter: Brings lusciousness and a velvety finish to the dish.
- Ketchup: A surprising ingredient that introduces a gentle tang and sweetness.
- Water or low sodium chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses your rice with savory notes.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and balancing the dish.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- Cayenne pepper: A pinch for a mild smoky kick that wakes up the palate.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
How to Make Ukrainian Chicken Plov (Rice Pilaf) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté them until they turn golden and are cooked through. This step is crucial because the caramelization creates a wonderful depth of flavor that will shine throughout the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the chicken. Let it sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft, releasing its sweet and savory aroma which forms the base for the flavors to come.
Step 3: Add the Carrots
Now toss in the grated carrots and sauté for another 2 minutes. The carrots soften just enough to blend into the dish while their natural sweetness contrasts perfectly with the savory ingredients.
Step 4: Blend Butter and Ketchup
Mix in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/4 cup of ketchup, stirring until the butter melts and everything is evenly combined. This creates a rich, slightly tangy sauce that envelops the chicken and vegetables, giving the plov its signature flavor that you’ll come to love.
Step 5: Incorporate the Rice and Spices
Add the rinsed rice to the skillet. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon each of freshly ground black pepper and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together to coat the rice grains in the flavorful mixture before cooking. This quick toast helps enhance the rice’s texture and flavor.
Step 6: Cook to Perfection
Transfer the entire skillet mixture to a rice cooker, pour in 2 1/2 cups of water or chicken broth, and set the cooker to the “White rice” setting. If you don’t have a rice cooker, no worries — simply place the mixture into a pot with a tight-fitting lid, cook over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. This gentle cooking process ensures the rice soaks up all the delicious flavors.
How to Serve Ukrainian Chicken Plov (Rice Pilaf) Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh, bright touch to your Ukrainian Chicken Plov (Rice Pilaf) Recipe, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill just before serving. These herbs bring a lively, fragrant element that beautifully complements the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This plov pairs wonderfully with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lemon juice and olive oil, offering a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, serving it alongside pickled vegetables adds an extra tangy crunch that balances the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your plov in individual bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, letting each person add creamy coolness to their taste. You can also transform it into stuffed peppers or warm flatbreads for an exciting presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ukrainian Chicken Plov (Rice Pilaf) Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making second-day servings even more delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover plov to extend its life. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. When freezer-burn is avoided, the dish retains its flavor and texture remarkably well.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen plov overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm it gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and revive all those wonderful flavors.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can swap in brown rice, but keep in mind it has a longer cooking time and a firmer texture. You’ll want to adjust cooking times and liquid amounts accordingly to ensure it cooks through properly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish has a mild heat from the cayenne pepper, but it’s very subtle. You can easily adjust the amount of cayenne to suit your preference, or omit it altogether if you prefer no spice.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is traditional and cooks quickly, you can experiment with lamb, beef, or even a mix of vegetables to make a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times for different proteins accordingly.
Do I have to use ketchup?
The ketchup adds a unique tangy sweetness that enhances the dish, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with tomato paste mixed with a bit of sugar or skip it entirely. The outcome will be slightly different but still tasty.
What can I serve with this dish to make a complete meal?
This plov stands well on its own, but pairing it with a fresh salad, steamed greens, or pickled vegetables makes a wonderfully balanced meal with a blend of textures and flavors.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the Ukrainian Chicken Plov (Rice Pilaf) Recipe is like inviting a warm, comforting hug into your kitchen. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with the people you love most. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming a beloved staple in your meal rotation!
