Kottopoula Me Pilafi (Chicken WPilaf)

Servings: 6 Difficulty: Advanced
A classic Greek one-pot meal featuring tender chicken simmered in rich tomato sauce with fluffy rice.
Kottopoula Me Pilafi (Chicken W/Pilaf recipe image

Kottopoula Me Pilafi (Chicken WPilaf)

Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 6 Calories: 1122.7

Description

Kottopoula Me Pilafi is a beloved Greek comfort dish that brings the warmth of a home-cooked meal to your table. This hearty main features tender chicken pieces slow-cooked in a robust, savory tomato sauce until they fall off the bone. The flavors infuse beautifully into long-grain rice, which is added toward the end to absorb the delicious juices, creating a fluffy, aromatic pilaf. It is a perfect example of economical cooking, transforming simple ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and butter into a satisfying feast. Ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this dish offers a delightful balance of tender meat and savory grains. Serve it with a simple green salad for a complete, authentic Greek experience that feels both rustic and refined.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Rinse the chicken parts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides until golden.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned.
  5. Stir in the peeled, strained tomatoes (or the diluted tomato paste mixture) and 1 cup of water.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  7. Add enough water to the pot to equal 2 1/3 cups for every cup of rice you intend to use.
  8. Continue to simmer, covered, until the chicken is tender and cooked through, approximately 30 minutes.
  9. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set them aside on a plate to keep warm.
  10. Add the raw rice to the tomato sauce in the pot, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
  11. Bring the liquid back to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 15-20 minutes.
  12. Remove the pot from the heat. Arrange the cooked chicken pieces on top of the rice.
  13. Place a clean kitchen towel over the pot opening, then cover with the lid to trap steam.
  14. Let the dish stand, undisturbed, for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 1122.7kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 71.2g110%
Saturated Fat 21.4g107%
Cholesterol 303.0mg101%
Sodium 312.8mg14%
Total Carbohydrate 9.7g4%
Dietary Fiber 2.6g11%
Sugars 5.9g
Protein 93.9g188%

* 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: greek, chicken, pilaf, rice, tomato, onion, butter, kottopoula, one-pot, dinner, comfort food, family meal, savory, traditional, easy, homemade
Recipe Card powered by WP Delicious