FREE Baked Maple Chicken with Wild Rice and Bartlett Pear Pilaf

Organic Bartlett pears in season give this pilaf a fresh and tasty twist. Maple syrup, brushed onto chicken straight from the oven, brings the flavors of the crispy baked chicken and sweet pilaf together.

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

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place chicken in a roasting pan or on a rimmed baking sheet. Coat with 2 teaspoons olive oil, sprinkle with pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt; bake 45 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from oven and brush with maple syrup.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery and garlic and cook until golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in rice and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 35 minutes. Stir in pears, thyme and remaining salt and continue to cook 10 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Serve rice with chicken.

Per serving: 710 calories (390 from fat), 44g total fat, 12g saturated fat, 200mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 26g total carbohydrate (3g dietary fiber, 10g sugar), 52g protein
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