Chicken-Rice Purlo
Chicken-Rice Purlo is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender chicken, flavorful broth, and rice, perfect for family dinners and those craving cozy, traditional flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute diced onion in bacon drippings until tender.
- Add cut-up chicken and continue cooking for a few minutes.
- Pour in seven cups of water and add salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is tender, about 1.5 hours.
- Debone the chicken and measure out 4 cups of broth from the cooked chicken.
- Return the broth to a boil, then add uncooked white rice and chopped hard-cooked eggs.
- Cook, covered, until the rice grains are tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 25 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you don't have bacon grease, vegetable oil or butter can work as substitutes. To save time, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of stewing hen. Ensure the rice is not overcooked to maintain a nice texture. For a twist, try adding vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken-Rice Purlo warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a slice of cornbread or with a refreshing side of Chicken Salad Deluxe.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Chicken-Rice Purlo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out, and microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Rice Purlo contains roughly 2572 calories, with 22g protein, 248g carbohydrates, and 162g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (73% of the Daily Value), protein (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1445mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it has a longer cooking time and may require additional liquid. Adjust the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes for the rice to fully cook and absorb the broth.
What can I add to enhance the flavors?
You can enhance the flavors by adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves during the simmering process. A splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of paprika can also elevate the taste. Experiment with spices to suit your palate.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make Chicken-Rice Purlo in a slow cooker, sauté the onions and chicken first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with broth and rice. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and rice is fully cooked.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).