Tavuklu Pilav
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Medium Effort · High Impact

Quick Weeknights · Turkish

Tavuklu Pilav

Buttery, fluffy basmati rice layered with shredded chicken, a staple of home cooking.

20 min active
40 min total
4 servings
6 ingredients
home cook

Why This Works

Toasting the rice in butter creates a barrier that prevents sticking and ensures individual, fluffy grains.

The Upgrade

Toast a handful of chickpeas in the butter before adding the rice for a textural surprise.

Chef's Secret

Michelin Technique

The resting period is non-negotiable; it allows the rice to reach the perfect moisture level.

Ingredients

Servings:

Total time including resting: 40 min

Directions

1

Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed pot and toast the rice for 3 minutes until translucent edges appear.

5 min
2

Pour in hot chicken stock and bring to a boil.

2 min
3

Reduce heat to the lowest setting and cover tightly.

15 min
4

Let it steam until the stock is absorbed and rice is tender.

5 min
5

Gently fluff the rice with a fork and fold in the shredded chicken.

2 min
6

Season with salt and pepper.

1 min
7

Cover and let it rest off the heat to combine flavors.

10 min

Wine Pairing

🍷

Chardonnay

White Wine

The BottleLouis Jadot Chablis

A stainless-steel fermented Chablis offers a crisp, clean acidity that cleanses the palate after the buttery rice. Its subtle minerality highlights the delicate seasoning of the shredded chicken.

Nutrition per Serving

450

calories

25g

protein

55g

carbs

12g

fat

Make It a Complete Meal

Sides the kitchen recommends alongside this dish.

Side Dish

Mixed Green Salad

A simple dressing of olive oil and pomegranate molasses brings lightness to the carb-heavy chicken rice.

10 min
4 servings

Ingredients

Directions

1

Thoroughly wash and spin dry the mixed greens and parsley.

2

Whisk the olive oil, pomegranate molasses, sea salt, and pepper in a small bowl until fully emulsified.

3

Place greens and parsley in a chilled mixing bowl.

4

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the greens immediately before serving.

5

Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure an even, light coating.

6

Plate promptly to maintain the crisp texture of the leaves.

Side Dish

Roasted Peppers

Quickly charred and seasoned bell peppers add a smoky, vegetable component to the mild rice dish.

20 min
4 servings

Ingredients

Directions

1

Preheat your oven broiler to 500°F.

2

Halve the peppers, remove stems and seeds, and flatten them on a rimmed baking sheet, skin-side up.

3

Broil for 8 to 10 minutes until the skins are thoroughly charred and blistered.

4

Transfer peppers to a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap for 5 minutes to steam, then peel away the charred skin.

5

Slice the flesh into 1-inch ribbons and arrange on a serving platter.

6

Drizzle immediately with olive oil and lemon juice, then garnish with sea salt, cracked pepper, and fresh parsley.

Member Reviews

How did it turn out?

5.0(1 review)

Rate this recipe

Oliver Grant
Aug 22, 2026

Made this tonight and it disappeared in minutes. Adding it to the rotation.