Chicken and Rice

This Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful one-pot meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any night of the week. Tender, juicy chicken is cooked with perfectly seasoned rice for a simple, satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot meal for easy cleanup
• Budget-friendly and made with pantry staples
• Customizable with different flavors and add-ins
• Great for meal prep and reheats well
• Naturally gluten-free and packed with protein

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice, see variations)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried thyme)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color and flavor)
• ½ cup frozen peas or diced carrots (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Sear chicken skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

1. In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in rice, Italian seasoning, and turmeric. Toast for 1 minute to enhance flavor.
3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.

Step 3: Simmer Everything Together

1. Nestle chicken back into the rice mixture.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes (or 40 minutes for brown rice).
3. Add peas or carrots in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

1. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Fluff rice and serve warm with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Extra Flavor: Use saffron or cumin for a Middle Eastern twist.
• Protein Swap: Use chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms and use veggie broth.
• Brown Rice Option: Increase cooking time to 40 minutes and add extra broth.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes! Reduce the cooking time by 5-7 minutes since boneless cooks faster.

What’s the best rice to use?

Long-grain white rice works best, but jasmine, basmati, or brown rice are great alternatives.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Sauté the chicken, then pressure cook on high for 8 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.

How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?

Use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio and don’t stir too much while cooking.

Can I add cheese?

Yes! Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan or cheddar before serving.

What can I serve with this?

Pair with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes! Reduce the broth to ½ cup and simmer for just 5 minutes after adding the chicken.

Can I cook this in the oven?

Yes! Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes, covered, until rice is tender.

How do I add more veggies?

Stir in bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition.

What’s the best way to make this creamy?

Add ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk before serving for a richer texture.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Rice dish is a simple, comforting, and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just want a satisfying one-pan dinner, this dish delivers every time. Try it today and enjoy a homemade classic!

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