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Easy Chicken and Rice Recipe ingredients
Aima Solace

Easy Chicken and Rice Recipe: Perfect for Dinner!

​This easy chicken and rice recipe is a comforting, one-pot meal that combines tender chicken with fluffy rice, all cooked together to absorb rich flavors. It's a versatile dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course, Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Gluten-Free​

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup frozen peas optional​

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down in the skillet.
  3. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  6. Stir in rice, chicken broth, thyme, and paprika. Bring to a boil.
  7. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the rice.
  8. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  9. If using, add frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  10. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.​

Notes

  • Avoid overcrowding the skillet: Ensure there's enough space for the chicken to brown properly.
  • Don't skip searing the chicken: This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.
  • Use long-grain rice: Short-grain rice may become too sticky in this recipe.
  • Check the rice: If the rice isn't fully cooked but the liquid is absorbed, add a bit more broth and continue cooking.

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