Description
This one-pot chicken and rice recipe is a comforting, quick, and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, seasoned chicken breasts cook alongside flavorful rice infused with garlic, onion, and herbs, resulting in a wholesome and delicious dish that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat to prepare it for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Add the chicken to the pot and cook each side for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Toast the rice: Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast which enhances its flavor and texture.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Return the cooked chicken to the pot, placing it on top of the rice to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook covered: Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Rest and finish: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and slice the chicken breasts.
- Serve: Serve the sliced chicken over the bed of fluffy rice, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Make sure to keep the heat low during the rice cooking step to avoid burning or sticking.
- The recipe can be doubled, but use a larger pot to accommodate ingredients properly.
