Armenian Chicken and Walla Walla Onion Pilaf

Golden, warmly spiced chicken crowns a savory pilaf rich with caramelized Walla Walla onions, fresh lemon, and parsley.

Ingredients

  • Foster Farms Fresh & Natural Chicken Thighs Value Pack
    1 lb $1.49
  • Private Selection® Walla Walla Sweet Onions
    12 oz $3.99
  • Kroger® Jasmine Rice
    1/2 cup, dry $3.89
  • Parsley
    1/4 cup chopped $1.29
  • Garlic
    2 cloves
  • Lemon juice
    1 tablespoon
  • Olive oil
    2 tablespoons
  • Ground cumin
    1 teaspoon
  • Sweet paprika
    1 teaspoon
  • Ground allspice
    1/4 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt
    1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Water
    2/3 cup

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice 12 ounces Walla Walla sweet onions, mince 2 garlic cloves, and chop 1/4 cup parsley. Pat 1 pound chicken thighs dry and season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a deep 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook the prepared 12 ounces Walla Walla sweet onions for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally; add the prepared 2 garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds. Transfer both to a bowl.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the empty skillet and increase the heat to medium-high. Sear the prepared 1 pound chicken thighs for 4 minutes per side, then reduce the heat to medium.
  4. Return the cooked 12 ounces Walla Walla sweet onions and 2 garlic cloves to the skillet. Add 1/2 cup dry jasmine rice, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; stir around the seared pieces for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in 2/3 cup water and scrape up the browned bits. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 18 minutes, until the grains are tender and the thickest piece reaches 165°F; remove from the heat and rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
  6. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and scatter with the prepared 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Divide the pilaf between two shallow bowls, arrange the seared pieces on top, and serve.

Total time: 45 minutes

Estimated cost: About $5–$7 using proportional ingredient costs

Health notes: Approximately 670 calories per serving, with about 38 grams of protein and a moderate portion of rice.

Drink pairing: A light Grenache complements the warm spices and caramelized sweetness without overwhelming the chicken.