Chicken Pilaf Atzem (Epirus Style

Servings: 4 Difficulty: Intermediate
A rustic one-pot Epirus classic featuring tender chicken braised with rice, tomatoes, and aromatic spices.
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This traditional Greek dish from the Epirus region is a comforting, one-pot meal where chicken and rice cook together in a rich, savory broth. The combination of tomato sauce, cinnamon, and onions creates a deeply aromatic flavor profile that is both hearty and elegant. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe delivers tender chicken pieces and fluffy rice infused with warm spices. It requires minimal active cooking time but rewards you with authentic, home-style flavors that bring the warmth of a Greek kitchen to your table.

Chicken Pilaf Atzem (Epirus Style recipe image
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Chicken Pilaf Atzem (Epirus Style

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4 Calories: 269.8

Description

This traditional Greek dish from the Epirus region is a comforting, one-pot meal where chicken and rice cook together in a rich, savory broth. The combination of tomato sauce, cinnamon, and onions creates a deeply aromatic flavor profile that is both hearty and elegant. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe delivers tender chicken pieces and fluffy rice infused with warm spices. It requires minimal active cooking time but rewards you with authentic, home-style flavors that bring the warmth of a Greek kitchen to your table.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Wash, dry, and cut the chicken into serving-sized pieces.
  2. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and freshly ground pepper.
  3. In a large casserole or Dutch oven, heat the butter or oil over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the chicken pieces and sauté, turning constantly, until browned on all sides.
  5. Add the diced onion to the pan and cook until softened and translucent.
  6. Stir in the tomato sauce, cinnamon stick, and enough water to almost cover the meat.
  7. Add the raw long-grain white rice, stirring to combine evenly with the liquid.
  8. Cover the pot and simmer on the stovetop over low heat, or bake in a 350ðF (177ðC) oven, for 40 minutes.
  9. Check the liquid; if necessary, add a small amount of water to ensure the rice cooks through without burning.
  10. Continue cooking until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  11. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving. Fluff the pilaf gently with a fork and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 269.8kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 24.0g37%
Saturated Fat 4.1g21%
Cholesterol 29.7mg10%
Sodium 28.7mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 3.1g2%
Dietary Fiber 0.6g3%
Sugars 1.4g
Protein 9.4g19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: chicken, pilaf, atzem, epirus, greek, rice, tomato, cinnamon, one-pot, braised, rustic, dinner, traditional, comfort food, stovetop, oven, spicy, aromatic, meal, homestyle
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