How to Make Chicken and Pea Rice!

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

SAEDNEWS: This exquisite dish can be prepared with chicken. To see the full step-by-step guide on making this flavorful, festive chickpea pilaf with fresh chicken, continue reading with Saed News.

How to Make Chicken and Pea Rice!

Pea rice is one of the most flavorful and traditional Iranian dishes, prepared with various recipes and ingredients. To follow a complete step-by-step guide for making pea rice with chicken, stay tuned with Saed News.

Ingredients for Pea Rice with Chicken

  • 1 cup peas

  • 3 cups rice

  • 1 chicken breast

  • 2 onions

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • Saffron, as needed

  • Salt, black pepper, turmeric, as needed

How to Prepare Pea Rice with Chicken

  1. Heat a little oil in a pot and lightly sauté the chicken until it’s no longer raw. Add one chopped onion along with salt and spices, pour boiling water over the ingredients, and let the chicken cook. Once done, shred the chicken.

  2. While the chicken is cooking, soak the rice in water with a pinch of salt. Wash the peas and steam them, or boil briefly until slightly soft, then drain.

  3. Finely chop or grate the remaining onion and sauté in a pan with a little turmeric until soft. Add the shredded chicken and saffron, stir briefly, then add the tomato paste and cook until its raw smell disappears. Finally, add the peas, mix for a minute, and remove from heat.

  4. Boil the rice, skim off the foam, then drain. Place a desired base for the tahdig (crispy rice) in the pot, layer the rice and the pea-chicken mixture, and steam for 30 minutes. Finish by adding a little butter on top before serving. Enjoy!

Key Tips for Perfect Pea Rice with Shredded Chicken

  • Avoid placing mixed ingredients at the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.

  • Chicken can be used whole or cut into pieces.

  • You can mix thigh and breast meat for richer flavor.

Benefits of Peas

Peas are rich in amino acids, cysteine, lysine, vitamins B and E, starch, fiber, fats, and proteins. They are highly nutritious and beneficial for metabolism. Their protein content makes them especially valuable for vegetarians. Key benefits include:

  • Weight management and weight loss

  • Bone health

  • Prevention of stomach cancer

  • Immune system support

  • Heart disease prevention

  • Skin vitality

  • Blood sugar regulation

  • Improved digestion

  • Eye health

  • Nervous system support

Precautions

While peas are highly nutritious, overconsumption can be harmful. Excess intake may lead to calcium loss due to high absorption of certain nutrients, and excessive protein can cause constipation or diarrhea. Moderation is key.