The aroma of tender chicken mingling with perfectly cooked rice fills the air, promising a delightful meal that requires almost no effort. Picture this: a busy weeknight, and you want to impress your family without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone. That’s where one pan chicken and rice steps in like a culinary superhero, saving dinner time with style.
Imagine sitting down to a plate of flavorful chicken, golden-brown and juicy, accompanied by fluffy rice infused with all the delicious juices from the chicken. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that can transport you back to childhood dinners around the table, where laughter was plentiful, and everyone savored each bite together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One pan chicken and rice is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
- The flavor profile is rich and comforting, satisfying even the pickiest eaters
- Visually appealing with vibrant colors from added veggies, it’s a feast for the eyes as well
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize based on what you have at home
I remember the first time I whipped up one pan chicken and rice for my friends. The kitchen smelled heavenly, and their delighted faces were priceless as they took their first bites.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on your crowd size.
Long Grain Rice: Choose high-quality long grain rice for fluffy texture that absorbs all those wonderful flavors.
Chicken Broth: Homemade or store-bought; it adds richness to the dish that water simply can’t match.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent for extra depth of flavor.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is key here; chop them finely to amplify that aromatic goodness.
Mixed Vegetables: Use frozen or fresh veggies like peas and carrots for a pop of color and nutrition.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of good olive oil helps brown the chicken beautifully while adding healthy fats.
Your Favorite Spices: Paprika, cumin, or Italian herbs work wonderfully—choose according to your palate!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter. Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear; this removes excess starch and prevents stickiness.
Sauté the Aromatics: In your trusty large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once heated, toss in diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and golden brown—about 3 minutes should do it!
Add Chicken to Sear: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet once onions are ready. Sear each side for about 5 minutes until they develop a nice golden crust.
Add Rice and Broth: Pour in rinsed rice followed by chicken broth. Stir gently to combine everything while scraping up any tasty bits stuck at the bottom of the skillet.
Add Mixed Vegetables: Sprinkle in your mixed vegetables evenly over the rice mixture. They’ll steam beautifully as everything cooks together.
Cover and Cook Until Done: Reduce heat to low; cover with a lid and let simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when liquid absorbs completely and smells divine!
Cooking should feel effortless yet rewarding! With these steps completed successfully, you’re set for an incredible one-pan meal that’s sure to impress anyone at your dining table. Enjoy every bite knowing you’ve created something special with little fuss!
You Must Know
- This one pan chicken and rice dish is a flavor-packed wonder that simplifies meal prep
- The delightful aromas and vibrant colors will brighten any dinner table while ensuring you spend less time cleaning up afterward
- Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken in a hot pan for a golden crust, then add rice and broth to simmer together. This ensures everything cooks evenly and absorbs those delicious flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu, and experiment with spices like paprika or turmeric for extra flair. Your taste buds will thank you!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked rice, ensure you measure your liquid accurately to avoid mushiness
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy and flavorful
- Fresh herbs added at the end bring brightness to your dish
The first time I made one pan chicken and rice was during a chaotic family gathering, and it became an instant hit! My cousin still requests it every holiday.
FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just remember to adjust cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
What can I serve with one pan chicken and rice?
A simple side salad or steamed veggies makes perfect accompaniments to this dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well and tastes even better after the flavors meld together overnight.
One Pan Chicken and Rice
One Pan Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables in one effortless meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal cleanup while delivering maximum taste. With its rich aroma and satisfying flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite that transports you back to cherished dinner moments.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas and carrots)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Your favorite spices (e.g., paprika, cumin)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until clear; set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; add to the skillet. Sear for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Stir in rinsed rice and chicken broth; scrape any bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Evenly sprinkle mixed vegetables over the rice mixture.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for about 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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