Chicken Perlo
A classic one-pot dish from the South Carolina Lowcountry. Tender chicken, smoky sausage, and fluffy rice simmer together in a savory broth for a hearty, comforting meal ready in under an hour.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook Bacon and Sausage
- b.Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
- d.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- e.Add the sliced sausage to the pot and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sear the Chicken
- b.Pat the chicken pieces dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- c.Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the chicken to the pot in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Sear until golden brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes total. Work in batches if necessary.
- d.Remove the chicken and set aside with the other meats.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot.
- c.Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Toast Rice and Combine Ingredients
- b.Stir in the rinsed rice, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the rice and bloom the spices.
- c.Pour in the chicken broth and the undrained can of diced tomatoes. Stir everything together, ensuring nothing is stuck to the bottom.
- d.Return the cooked bacon, sausage, and chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Simmer and Steam
- b.Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- c.It is crucial not to lift the lid during this time to prevent steam from escaping.
- d.After 20 minutes, turn off the heat completely and let the pot stand, still covered, for an additional 10 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Fluff and Serve
- b.Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice and other ingredients with a fork.
- c.Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven for even heat distribution, which prevents the rice from scorching.
- 2Don't skip searing the meats. This step builds a deep, savory flavor base (fond) for the entire dish.
- 3Resist the urge to stir the rice while it simmers. Stirring can release starches and make the perlo gummy instead of fluffy.
- 4Letting the perlo rest for 10 minutes off the heat is crucial. It allows the rice to finish steaming and absorb the last bits of moisture for a perfect texture.
- 5For the most authentic flavor, use a long-grain white rice like Carolina Gold, which is traditional to the Lowcountry region.
Adapt it for your goals.
Seafood Perlo
Swap the chicken and sausage for 1 lb of shrimp and 1/2 lb of scallops. Add them in the last 5-7 minutes of the simmering time to prevent overcooking.
Vegetarian PerloVegetarian Perlo
Omit the meats and use 1 lb of mixed mushrooms (like cremini and shiitake) and a plant-based sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add one finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onion and bell pepper for an extra kick of heat.
Smoky Turkey PerloSmoky Turkey Perlo
Substitute the chicken with an equal amount of chopped smoked turkey for a deeper, smokier flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Chicken and sausage provide high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and overall body function.
Sustained Energy Source
The rice in this dish offers complex carbohydrates that break down slowly, providing a steady release of energy to keep you fueled for hours.
Contains Essential Vitamins
Bell peppers and onions contribute vitamins like Vitamin C and B6, which are important for immune function and metabolism.
Source of Lycopene
The diced tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to improved heart health and protection against cellular damage.
Frequently asked questions
Chicken Perlo (also spelled 'pilau' or 'pirlou') is a traditional one-pot rice dish from the Lowcountry of South Carolina. It's known for its rich, savory flavor, derived from cooking rice with chicken, sausage, bacon, and aromatic vegetables in a seasoned broth.