Description

• 2 Cubanelle peppers, ribs and seeds removed, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large white onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
• 3 cups packed cilantro sprigs, plus more for serving (from 1 large bunch)
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, crushed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 whole chicken (3 1/2 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
• 1 3/4 cups medium-grain white rice
• 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf, preferably fresh
• 1 can (15 ounces) pigeon peas, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
• 2/3 cup pimiento-stuffed olives

• Step 1

  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In the bowl of a food processor, combine peppers, onion, garlic, cilantro, and 1 tablespoon oil. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Puree until smooth.

   
• Step 2

  In a small bowl, combine coriander, chili powder, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Pat chicken dry and season all over with spice mixture. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large, straight-sided ovenproof skillet or braiser pan over medium-high. Add chicken in a single layer, skin-sides down, and cook, flipping once, until browned on both sides, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add rice to skillet; cook, stirring occasionally, until nutty-smelling and opaque, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in cilantro mixture and cook until mostly absorbed, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in broth, 1 cup water, bay leaf, and peas. Return chicken and any accumulated juices to skillet in a single layer, skin-sides up. Bring to a boil. Scatter capers and olives over top, then cover and transfer to oven. Cook until a thermometer inserted into thickest part of chicken (near but not touching bones) reads 165 degrees, 30 to 35 minutes. Serve, garnished with more cilantro.