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One-Pot Chicken and Rice

One-Pot Chicken and Rice
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This One-Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting and flavorful meal that combines tender bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with fluffy long-grain rice, aromatic onions, garlic, and savory spices, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is customizable, hearty, and delivers delicious layered flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Rice and Aromatics

  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 3 cups chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)

Vegetables

  • 1 cup peas or diced bell peppers

Fats and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and cook until golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and brown the other side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits left by the chicken to deepen the flavor.
  3. Add Rice and Spices: Stir the long-grain rice into the onions and garlic, coating it well with the oil and juices. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice slightly, which enhances texture and flavor.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Nestle the browned chicken pieces over the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Add Vegetables and Finish Cooking: About 5 minutes before cooking time is up, scatter in your chosen vegetables such as peas or diced bell peppers. Cover and cook until the vegetables are tender and the rice has absorbed all the liquid.

Notes

  • Brown the chicken well to add crispy texture and lock in moisture.
  • Use quality chicken broth to enhance flavor and richness.
  • Do not stir the rice too much during cooking to prevent mushiness.
  • Allow the dish to rest off heat with the lid on for a few minutes to let steam finish cooking the rice perfectly.
  • Adjust liquid levels depending on the type of rice used (brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking).

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot chicken and rice, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, comforting meal, gluten-free chicken and rice

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/one-pot-chicken-and-rice/