Sumac Chicken with Cauliflower Rice Pilaf
Tips for Experienced Cooks
For an unmatched depth of flavor, consider toasting your own spices before grinding them. This extra step enhances the natural oils and aromatics in the spices, making the cauliflower rice pilaf truly exceptional. Additionally, experiment with grilling the lemon (cut side down) alongside the chicken; grilled lemon juice can add a smoky, nuanced flavor to both the marinade and as a finishing touch on the chicken.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the sumac, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- 1 tablespoon sumac
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours.
- 4 chicken breasts
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Step 4: Prepare the Cauliflower Rice Pilaf
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but not mushy. Add the toasted almonds, raisins, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, allspice, ginger, and cardamom to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes more, until the spices are fragrant and the raisins are plump.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups cauliflower rice
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Step 5: Serve
To serve, spoon the cauliflower rice pilaf onto plates and top with the grilled chicken breasts. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Meat, Eggs, & Dairy
- 4 whole chicken breast
Fresh Produce & Herbs
- 1 head cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Seasonings & Spices
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- 2 tablespoons sumac
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Pantry Items
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup raisins