Chicken with Orange Pilaf

IamMrsG · ‎08-29-2010

I searched to prevent a duplicated post, but could not find that this recipe had been shared here before. It's an old one we Gs have used for years, and it will be our dinner this evening.

Chicken with Orange Pilaf

Charcoal: Indirect Gas: Indirect / Medium Heat

1 medium orange
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup regular brown rice
1 shallot or green onion, chopped
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon pepper
½ cup toasted slivered almonds
1 3-to-4 pound broiler-fryer chicken
1/4 cup apple jelly

Finely shred enough orange peel to make 1 teaspoon; set aside. Peel and section the orange over a small mixing bowl, reserving the juice; set sections and juice aside.

For stuffing, in a medium saucepan stir together reserved orange peel, the chicken broth, rice, shallot, ginger and pepper. Bring mixture to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 35 minutes. Stir in the reserved orange sections and juice and the almonds.

Rinse chicken and pat dry. Season the body cavity with 3/4 teaspoon salt. Spoon stuffing into the neck cavity. Skewer neck skin to back. Lightly spoon stuffing into the body cavity. Tie legs together with string. Twist wing tips under back.

Place any remaining stuffing in center of a double thickness of heavy foil. Bring up 2 opposite edges of foil and, leaving a little space for expansion of steam, tightly seal top, then each end. In a small saucepan combine apple jelly and 1 tablespoon water. Heat until jelly melts.

Place chicken, breast side up, in center of the cooking grill. Grill 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours or until meat thermometer registers 180ºF (82º C) and drumsticks move easily in their sockets. Center of stuffing should register 165ºF (74ºC). During the last 20 to 25 minutes of grilling time, brush bird with jelly mixture and place pocket of stuffing on cooking grill beside chicken to heat through. Let stand 15 minutes before carving.

Mrs. G's note: A nice side to the orange flavored rice is white grapes. Suggested wine: Riesling

Strive for respect instead of attention. It lasts longer.