Description
Irresistible one-pan chicken and rice delivers comfort straight from your kitchen’s heart. Fragrant herbs, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice combine for a delicious meal that brings families together with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
Grains and Liquid:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Craft a robust spice blend of paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper, thoroughly massaging it into each chicken piece, ensuring complete coverage on both surfaces.
- Fire up a large skillet to medium-high heat, introducing olive oil. Carefully nestle the seasoned chicken into the hot surface, allowing a golden crust to develop for 5-7 minutes per side.
- Transfer the beautifully seared chicken to a temporary plate, reserving those delectable pan drippings.
- Within the same skillet, introduce finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and releasing their aromatic essence, approximately 2 minutes.
- Gently fold rice into the fragrant mixture, coating each grain with the infused oil and vegetable remnants.
- Stream chicken broth into the skillet, encouraging a gentle simmer while simultaneously lifting any caramelized fragments clinging to the pan’s bottom.
- Strategically position the reserved chicken atop the rice, creating a harmonious one-pan landscape.
- Seal the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, reducing heat to low and allowing the ingredients to meld for 25-30 minutes until rice reaches perfect tenderness and chicken achieves complete doneness.
- During the final 5 minutes, scatter frozen peas across the surface for added color and nutrition.
- Remove from heat, allowing a brief 5-minute resting period to redistribute internal moisture.
- Conclude by sprinkling fresh parsley, transforming the dish with a vibrant, herbaceous flourish before serving.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is uniformly seasoned by patting it dry before adding spices, helping the seasonings adhere better and creating a more flavorful crust.
- Choose bone-in chicken thighs for extra moisture and deeper flavor, as they tend to be more forgiving and juicier than chicken breasts.
- Consider substituting white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutritional value, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly.
- Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice during rice cooking to enhance overall dish complexity and brighten the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg