Simple One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
This Simple One-Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful and comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Seasoned chicken thighs are seared to perfection and cooked together with white rice in chicken broth, making a delicious all-in-one dish that requires minimal cleanup and delivers hearty, satisfying flavors.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Spices
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Garnish
- Chopped cilantro (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well to create the seasoning blend.
- Season the Chicken: Place 2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs on a plate and evenly sprinkle the prepared seasoning mix over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Sear the chicken until browned on one side, about 4 minutes, then flip and sear the other side for another 4 minutes. After browning, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: Add 1 cup of white rice and 2 cups of chicken broth to the same skillet. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits left from the chicken for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Together: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them in with the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let everything cook together for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from heat, optionally sprinkle with chopped cilantro for freshness and garnish, then serve hot.
Notes
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Make sure to brown the chicken well for depth of flavor.
- If needed, add a splash more chicken broth or water if the rice isn’t fully cooked after 15 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for brightness.
- You can substitute white rice with brown rice but increase cooking time accordingly.