Kottopoula Me Pilafi (Chicken WPilaf)

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.

Cooking Method: Stewing

Cuisine: Greek

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 6

Calories: 1122.7

Dietary: Gluten-free

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

3 pound Chicken parts
1/2 cup Butter or other shortening
1 ea Med. onion, chopped
1 1/2 pound Tomatoes, peeled,strained OR
1 tablespoon Tomato paste + 1 c. water

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

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/kottopoula-me-pilafi-chicken-w-pilaf/