Description
A comforting and easy one-pot chicken and rice recipe featuring tender chicken thighs, aromatic seasonings, and fluffy rice. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup. Customizable and family-friendly!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs)
- 1 cup frozen peas (or mixed vegetables)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear skin-side down for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Remove from pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics
- In the same pot, add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice
- Add rice to the pot, stirring to coat with oil and aromatics.
- Toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer the Dish
- Pour in chicken broth, dried thyme, and additional seasoning if needed.
- Stir well, then nestle chicken back into the pot, skin-side up.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Add Vegetables & Finish
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add frozen peas or mixed vegetables.
- Cover and let them cook through.
- Remove from heat, squeeze in lemon juice (if using), and garnish with parsley.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Fluff rice with a fork and serve warm.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use chicken breasts, drumsticks, or shrimp.
- Rice Options: Brown rice requires extra liquid and longer cooking time.
- Vegetable Additions: Carrots, bell peppers, or spinach are great options.
- Spice it Up: Add cayenne, smoked paprika, or cumin for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: one pot
- Cuisine: American, comfort food
Keywords: one-pot chicken and rice, easy chicken dinner, comforting meals, quick weeknight dinner, meal prep chicken.