Description
A simple and comforting one-pot chicken and rice recipe featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked with aromatic onions, garlic, and seasoned rice. This dish combines ease and flavor, making it an ideal wholesome meal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Grains and Liquids
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering, preparing it to sauté the chicken and aromatics.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika for balanced flavor.
- Brown the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the hot pot and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the same pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the rice: Stir the long-grain white rice into the onion and garlic mixture, allowing the rice to toast lightly for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients well and deglaze any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Simmer with chicken: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them into the rice and broth. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low.
- Cook gently: Let the mixture simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest before serving: Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This step allows the rice to finish steaming and become fluffy.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for brightness and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra nutrition and color, add peas or diced carrots along with the onions.
- Allowing the dish to rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking helps produce fluffier rice.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for even more flavor if desired.
- If using chicken breasts, check doneness carefully to avoid drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
