PERSIAN CHICKEN WITH TURMERIC AND LIME

Persian Chicken with Turmeric and Lime image

Provided by Mindy Fox

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

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1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 medium onion, halved, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped, plus 1 garlic clove, smashed
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus 8 wedges for serving (3-4 limes total)
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin, divided
1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
1 cup basmati rice
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup plain yogurt (optional)
1 English hothouse or large standard cucumber, peeled if desired, quartered lengthwise, cut crosswise into 1/2" pieces (about 2 cups)
1 cup (packed) herb leaves, such as mint, cilantro, and/or dill
1/3 cup shelled unsalted pistachios, coarsely chopped
Sumac (for serving; optional)

Steps:

Mix chicken, onion, turmeric, chopped garlic, lime juice, 1 Tbsp. oil, 2 tsp. cumin, 1 tsp. salt, and 3/4 tsp. pepper in a medium bowl.
Heat 1 Tbsp. oil over medium in a heavy medium saucepan. Add rice and smashed garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted and fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Stir in cardamom, cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. salt, and remaining 1/4 tsp. cumin and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Add 1 3/4 cups water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and gently simmer, covered, until water is evaporated and rice is cooked, 18-20 minutes. Remove from heat. Let sit, covered, until ready to serve.
Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 Tbsp. oil over medium-high in a large skillet until very hot but not smoking. Add chicken mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through, 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in yogurt, if using, then adjust seasoning to taste. Cover to keep warm.
Gently toss cucumber, herbs, and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt in a small bowl.
Fluff rice with a fork and divide among bowls. Spoon chicken over. Top with cucumber salad, pistachios, and sumac, if using. Generously squeeze lime wedges over.