One-Pan Chicken and Rice

One-Pan Chicken and Rice is a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender pieces of chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and fluffy rice, all cooked together in a single pan. It’s easy to prepare and results in a delicious, well-balanced meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breast or thighs, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Heat Oil: In a large, deep skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, oregano, and cumin. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

1. Add Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
2. Add Bell Peppers: Add the diced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

1. Add Rice: Pour the uncooked rice into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to coat the rice with the oil and seasonings.
2. Add Chicken and Broth: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Simmer

1. Bring to Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Reduce Heat and Cover: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

1. Fluff Rice: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
2. Garnish: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve: Serve the one-pan chicken and rice hot, directly from the skillet. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Cooking Notes

• Rice Type: Long-grain rice such as basmati or jasmine works best for this recipe. Avoid using instant or quick-cooking rice as they may become mushy.
• Chicken Variations: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option, or a mix of thighs and breasts.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, peas, or zucchini for added nutrition and variety.

Variations

Low-Carb Version:

• Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice to keep the dish low-carb. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as cauliflower rice cooks much faster.

Gluten-Free Version:

• This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure all ingredients, particularly the chicken broth, are certified gluten-free if necessary.

Vegan Version:

• Substitute the chicken with tofu or a plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adjust the cooking times as needed for the tofu.

Tips for Perfect One-Pan Chicken and Rice

• Even Cooking: Ensure the chicken pieces are diced evenly for consistent cooking. Similarly, cut the vegetables into uniform pieces.
• Stirring: Stir the rice occasionally while it’s simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Resting Time: Let the dish rest, covered, for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the rice to fully absorb the flavors and makes it easier to fluff.

One-Pan Chicken and Rice is a versatile and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful rice creates a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this one-pan wonder and savor the delightful blend of ingredients!

Enjoy your One-Pan Chicken and Rice!