Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready for a heartwarming, one-pan wonder that fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of home-cooked goodness? 🏡✨ Today, we’re bringing you a timeless favorite—One-Pan Chicken and Rice—a dish that generations have cherished for its simplicity, flavor, and the way it brings everyone to the table. 🍗🍚
This recipe is a celebration of wholesome ingredients and old-fashioned cooking magic. With tender chicken, fragrant spices, and fluffy rice all simmering together in a single pan, you’ll enjoy both the cooking and the cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or cozy weekends, it’s a dish that never fails to impress with minimal effort.
Imagine golden chicken pieces nestled in a bed of savory rice infused with garlic, onions, and just a hint of warm spice. 🧄🧅 Each bite is a reminder of how simple ingredients, treated with love, can create extraordinary comfort food. Ready to make your kitchen smell divine? Let’s dive in! 🍳
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp turmeric (optional, for color)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Rice:
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine preferred)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or water + bouillon)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, or bell peppers)
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving 🍋
Step-by-Step Directions
- Season the chicken:
In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, and turmeric. Rub the mixture all over the chicken pieces. - Sear to perfection:
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside. - Build the flavor base:
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent—about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. - Add the rice:
Stir in the uncooked rice, letting it toast lightly in the onion-garlic mixture for 1–2 minutes. This step gives the rice a nutty flavor and prevents mushiness later. - Simmer everything together:
Pour in the chicken broth, then add cumin, salt, pepper, and vegetables. Give it all a good stir to combine. - Return the chicken:
Place the seared chicken pieces back into the pan, nestling them into the rice mixture. Make sure they’re partly submerged in the liquid for even cooking. - Cook to perfection:
Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes. Don’t lift the lid—let the steam work its magic! - Fluff and finish:
Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, turn off the heat and let the pan rest (covered) for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice gently with a fork. - Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top for color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish. 🍋
Nutritional Information
⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 30 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 40 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: 460
🍽️ Servings: 4
This hearty one-pan meal offers a balance of lean protein, wholesome carbs, and healthy fats. Chicken provides a satisfying source of protein, while the rice delivers energy for your day. The olive oil and vegetables round it all out with vitamins and antioxidants. It’s comfort food that nourishes as much as it delights. ❤️
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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️
