Rice pilaf is a classic dish that is often served during holiday gatherings and special occasions. The combination of fluffy rice, aromatic spices, and flavorful ingredients make it a staple on many holiday tables. If you're looking for a delicious and easy holiday rice pilaf recipe, look no further. This recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a new family favorite.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Rice, Chicken Broth, Celery, Fresh Parsley
Rice pilaf is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. This flavorful dish is made by cooking rice in broth or stock with various herbs and spices. It can be made in a variety of ways, from simple and traditional to more unique and exotic variations. Here are 20 delicious rice pilaf recipes to try out with your next beer can chicken dinner.
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Perfect Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Unsalted Butter, Sea Salt
This recipe for perfect rice pilaf is a great starting point for those new to making this dish. It uses butter, chicken broth, and a blend of herbs and spices to create a flavorful and fluffy rice pilaf.
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Holiday Puppy Chow
Main Ingredients: Rice, Cereal, Frosting, Powdered Sugar
For a fun twist on traditional rice pilaf, try this holiday puppy chow recipe. It combines rice pilaf with festive ingredients like cranberries, pecans, and orange zest for a festive and flavorful side dish.
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Classic Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Butter, Orzo Pasta, Diced Onion, Garlic, White Rice
This classic rice pilaf recipe is a simple and traditional version of the dish. It uses chicken broth, butter, and a blend of herbs and spices to create a timeless and delicious side dish.
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Savory Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, Wild Rice, Water, Bay Leaf, Seasoning
For a heartier and more flavorful rice pilaf, try this savory wild rice pilaf recipe. It combines wild rice with chicken broth, mushrooms, onions, and a blend of savory herbs for a delicious and satisfying side dish.
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Blackened Chicken Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Garlic Clove, Carrots, Olive Oil, Frozen
This blackened chicken rice pilaf recipe is a perfect pairing for beer can chicken. The spicy and bold flavors of the blackened chicken complement the flavorful and fragrant rice pilaf for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
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Brown Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Butter, Long Grain Brown Rice, Onion, Chicken Stock
If you're looking for a healthier option, this brown rice pilaf recipe is a great choice. It uses brown rice, chicken broth, and a blend of herbs and spices for a flavorful and nutritious side dish.
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Mushroom Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Mushrooms, Brown Rice, Vegetable
Mushroom lovers will enjoy this mushroom rice pilaf recipe. It combines rice with chicken broth, mushrooms, and a blend of herbs and spices for a flavorful and earthy side dish.
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Easy Vegetable Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Long Grain Rice, Garlic Salt, Dried
This easy vegetable rice pilaf recipe is a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your meal. It combines rice with chicken broth and a variety of vegetables for a flavorful and colorful side dish.
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Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Celery, Onion, Garlic, Long Grain White Rice
For a unique twist on traditional rice pilaf, try this wild rice pilaf recipe. It uses a combination of wild rice and white rice for a nutty and flavorful side dish.
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Simple Veggie Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Zucchini, Medium Carrots, Olive Oil
This simple veggie rice pilaf recipe is perfect for a quick and easy side dish. It combines rice with chicken broth and a variety of vegetables for a satisfying and flavorful accompaniment to beer can chicken.
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Cajun Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Butter, Chopped Onion, Chopped Green Bell Pepper
Add a little spice to your meal with this Cajun rice pilaf recipe. It combines rice with chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and a variety of vegetables for a bold and flavorful side dish.
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Simple Hawaiian Rice Pilaf with Pineapple Chutney
Main Ingredients: Rice, Chutney, Cilantro
This Hawaiian-inspired rice pilaf recipe is a great way to add some tropical flavors to your beer can chicken meal. It combines rice with chicken broth, pineapple, and a variety of spices for a sweet and tangy side dish.
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Lebanese Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Clarified Butter, Vermicelli Pasta, Boiling
This Lebanese rice pilaf recipe is a delicious and unique way to enjoy this side dish. It uses a blend of spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cumin for a fragrant and flavorful dish that pairs well with beer can chicken.
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Chicken Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Butter, Olive Oil, Onion, Salt, Pepper, Medium Carrots
If you want to add some protein to your rice pilaf, try this chicken rice pilaf recipe. It combines chicken broth, chicken, and a blend of spices for a hearty and flavorful side dish.
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Simple Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Butter, Orzo Pasta, Diced Onion, Minced Garlic, Rice
This simple rice pilaf recipe is a great starting point for those new to making this dish. It uses basic ingredients like rice, chicken broth, and a blend of herbs and spices for a flavorful and versatile side dish.
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Thai Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Rice, Coconut Oil, Pineapple, Carrots, Sweet Peas, Lime
Add some Thai flavors to your meal with this Thai rice pilaf recipe. It combines rice with coconut milk, chicken broth, and a variety of Thai spices for a creamy and flavorful side dish.
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Mediterranean Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper, Yellow
This Mediterranean-inspired rice pilaf recipe is a great way to add some bright and fresh flavors to your meal. It combines rice with chicken broth, olives, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs for a delicious and colorful side dish.
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Coconut Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Coconut Milk, Chicken Broth, Sugar, Rice, Frozen Peas
If you love coconut, this coconut rice pilaf recipe is a must-try. It combines rice with coconut milk, chicken broth, and a variety of spices for a creamy and fragrant side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Garlic Herb Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Land O Lakes Butter, Jasmine Rice, Garlic Salt, Dried
This garlic herb rice pilaf recipe is a great way to add some extra flavor to your meal. It combines rice with chicken broth, garlic, and a variety of herbs for a fragrant and delicious side dish.
The Perfect Side Dish for Any Holiday Meal
Ingredients:
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the rice and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the rice is lightly toasted.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all of the liquid has been absorbed.
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
Stir in the cranberries, almonds, thyme, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Serve warm as a delicious side dish for your holiday meal.
Why This Recipe Works for the Holidays
This holiday rice pilaf recipe is perfect for several reasons. First, it is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, leaving you with more time to focus on other dishes or spend time with your loved ones. Second, the combination of ingredients adds a festive touch to the dish. The sweetness of the cranberries complements the savory flavors of the vegetables and herbs, while the crunch of the almonds adds a nice texture. Finally, this dish is versatile and can be paired with a variety of main dishes, making it a great addition to any holiday menu.
Make it Your Own
While this holiday rice pilaf recipe is delicious as is, feel free to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients. Some great additions could include chopped apples, dried apricots, or even diced turkey or chicken for a heartier option. Get creative and make this dish uniquely yours.
In Conclusion
Next time you're planning a holiday meal, consider adding this easy and flavorful rice pilaf to your menu. With its festive flavors and simple preparation, it is sure to impress your guests and become a new holiday tradition. So go ahead and give it a try, and don't be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe.
