The rich aroma of garlic and herbs fills the kitchen as this One Pot Chicken and Rice dish simmers to perfection. Seared chicken thighs are nestled into creamy, parmesan-laced rice, making this a flavorful and satisfying dinner that comes together in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. With just one pan, you get tender chicken, velvety rice, and savory depth from fresh aromatics. Simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and a whole lot of flavor make this recipe a keeper for any home cook.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried parsley
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 cup long grain white rice
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2 cups chicken broth
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½ cup heavy cream
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½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and parsley.
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Sear the chicken in the hot oil for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute to toast slightly.
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Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
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Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet. Cover and simmer on low for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
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Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top and stir gently to combine.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 510 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
One Pot Chicken and Rice: A Delicious and Hearty Meal for All Ages
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the satisfaction of a warm, creamy one-pot meal. One Pot Chicken and Rice is one such dish that not only delivers on flavor but also offers the convenience of minimal cleanup. This recipe combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and creamy rice for a meal that is sure to become a household favorite. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this dish is easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
The Beauty of One-Pot Cooking
One-pot meals are the epitome of convenience in the kitchen. With just one pan, you can create a full, flavorful meal without the need for multiple pots and pans. This simplifies cleanup and makes the cooking process much more enjoyable. The One Pot Chicken and Rice dish, in particular, is an excellent example of how you can create a balanced and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
By using a deep skillet or Dutch oven, you can easily sauté the chicken, vegetables, and spices, and then cook the rice right in the same pan. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the rice absorbs the savory juices from the chicken, creating a dish that’s rich in flavor from start to finish.
A Perfect Balance of Flavors
The star of this dish is, of course, the chicken. By using bone-in, skinless chicken thighs, you get tender meat with just the right amount of fat for flavor. Chicken thighs are known for their juiciness, which makes them the perfect protein for this recipe. They retain moisture during the cooking process, ensuring that the final dish is tender and succulent.
The seasoning for this dish is simple but effective. A combination of garlic, paprika, thyme, and parsley gives the chicken and rice a depth of flavor without being overpowering. Garlic is a must-have for savory dishes like this, and it pairs wonderfully with the chicken and creamy rice. The paprika adds a subtle smokiness to the dish, while the thyme and parsley bring a fresh, herbaceous note to each bite.
Once the chicken is browned and the garlic has been sautéed, the rice is added to the skillet along with chicken broth and heavy cream. The rice absorbs the liquid, becoming infused with the rich flavors of the chicken and herbs. The addition of heavy cream makes the rice creamy and luxurious, while the parmesan cheese adds a delightful tang and richness that completes the dish.
How to Customize One Pot Chicken and Rice
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. While the recipe as written is absolutely delicious, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for variations and substitutions:
Vegetable Add-ins:
While the recipe doesn’t call for vegetables, you can easily add your favorite veggies to the skillet. Mushrooms, spinach, peas, or carrots would all work well in this dish. Simply sauté the vegetables with the garlic and onions, and they will add extra flavor and nutrients to the meal.
Spice Level:
If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the dish. This will give the rice a mild heat that balances the richness of the cream and parmesan.
Alternative Grains:
Although the recipe calls for long-grain white rice, you can swap it for other grains like brown rice, quinoa, or even couscous. Keep in mind that different grains will require slightly different cooking times and liquid amounts, so be sure to adjust accordingly.
Dairy-Free Version:
If you’re looking to make the dish dairy-free, you can replace the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut cream or a plant-based cream. Skip the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free version for a fully dairy-free meal.
Herb Variations:
If you’re not a fan of thyme and parsley, try experimenting with other herbs like rosemary, sage, or oregano. These herbs will add their own distinct flavor to the dish and can be used interchangeably with the original herbs.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
In today’s busy world, finding meals that are both quick and satisfying is a priority for many home cooks. One Pot Chicken and Rice is the perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The entire dish comes together in under an hour, and the minimal prep time makes it easy to get the meal on the table without a lot of fuss.
Since it’s all cooked in one pan, cleanup is a breeze, which is a huge bonus for anyone who doesn’t love washing dishes. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or as a make-ahead dish.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
If you’re meal prepping for the week, this One Pot Chicken and Rice dish is an excellent choice. You can easily make a large batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. The rice and chicken reheat well, and the flavors continue to develop as they sit. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze individual portions for longer storage.
To reheat, simply warm the dish in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen up the rice. The creaminess of the dish will return once it’s reheated, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready to go.
Conclusion:
One Pot Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, simple, and versatile dish that’s perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who loves a hearty, satisfying meal. The combination of tender chicken, creamy rice, and aromatic herbs is a true winner, and the ease of making this dish in just one pan makes it a go-to for weeknight dinners. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make your own variations, this dish is bound to impress your family and friends alike.