Turkish Rice with Chicken, known as Tavuklu Pilav, is a popular street food in Turkey. It’s a comforting dish made of fluffy rice cooked in homemade chicken broth and topped with shredded chicken.
If you’ve ever tried the classic Turkish Rice with Orzo (Şehriyeli Pirinç Pilavı), you’ll notice that Tavuklu Pilav is a heartier version of it.
If you’ve been to Istanbul, you’ve probably seen vendors selling Nohutlu Tavuklu Pilav (Rice with Chicken and Chickpeas) while walking down the streets. Oh, that rice is so delicious!
But Tavuklu Pilav is not just a street food. It’s also commonly prepared in large quantities for gatherings like weddings and funerals and shared with guests.
Another reason we love Tavuklu Pilav is that it’s a perfect weeknight dinner. It’s one of our go-to dinners, especially on those nights when we can’t decide what to make.
Plus, it tastes great even when at room temperature, so we pack it in our son’s lunchbox the next day!
Make Your Own Chicken Broth for the Best Tavuklu Pilav!
What makes Tavuklu Pilav different from regular Turkish rice pilav is the tasty chicken broth and tender chicken pieces mixed in.
For the best flavor, it’s always better to make your own broth.
Any chicken piece can be used, but bone-in, skin-on parts give the most delicious results. We usually go for chicken drumsticks or legs, but whole chicken or thighs work great too.
Making homemade chicken broth is super easy. You only need two ingredients: chicken and water! Simply simmer the chicken in water until it becomes tender. No need for salt at this step as you will add it on the rice when making pilav.
Tavuklu Pilav (Turkish Rice with Chicken)
Description
Tavuklu Pilav is a comforting dish made with fluffy rice cooked in homemade chicken broth, tender shredded chicken, and chickpeas. It’s an easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, special gatherings, or even lunchboxes the next day!
INGREDIENTS
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken Stock:
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Place the chicken drumsticks in a pot, add 4 cups of water, and bring to a boil.
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Cook until the chicken is tender, about 30 minutes.
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Remove the chicken from the pot and strain the broth into a separate bowl. You should have 3 cups of flavorful broth.
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Once slightly cooled, shred the chicken into small pieces and set aside.
Cook the Rice Pilav:
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Heat a pan over medium heat and add olive oil.
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Add the well-rinsed rice and sauté for a few minutes until slightly translucent.
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Stir in the butter and mix until melted.
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Add the salt and mix well.
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Stir in the cooked chickpeas.
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Pour in 3 cups of the reserved chicken stock, give it a quick stir, and cover the pot.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting and let it cook covered until all the liquid is absorbed.
Assemble the Dish:
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Once the rice has absorbed the liquid, remove it from the heat and gently fluff it.
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Spread the shredded chicken over the rice.
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Sprinkle salt and pepper on top and immediately cover the pot.
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Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
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NOTES
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken parts give the richest flavor, but you can use any cut you prefer.
- For the best texture, don’t skip rinsing the rice and sautéing it before adding the broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth.
- Nutrition information is provided as a general guide only.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 659kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Trans Fat 0.2g
- Cholesterol 112mg38%
- Sodium 1782mg75%
- Potassium 450mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 82g28%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 0.1g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 149 IU
- Vitamin C 0.1 mg
- Calcium 68 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
