Baked Maple Chicken with Pear Pilaf

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 3 1/2 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
• 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, divided
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 rib celery, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups brown and wild rice mix
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 organic Bartlett pears, peeled, cored and chopped
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place the chicken pieces in a roasting pan or on a rimmed baking sheet.
3. Coat the chicken with 2 teaspoons olive oil, sprinkle with pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt; bake 45 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Remove from oven and brush the chicken with maple syrup.
5. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat.
6. Add onion, celery and garlic and cook until golden, 5 to 7 minutes.
7. Stir in rice and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 35 minutes.
8. Stir in pears, thyme and remaining salt and continue to cook 10 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
9. Serve rice with chicken.

Notes

http://www.godairyfree.org/recipes/entrees/baked-maple-chicken-with-pear-pilaf