Chicken and Rice Recipe

I’ve cooked countless chicken and rice dishes over the years, but this one-pot version has become my go-to for busy weeknights. It’s the perfect balance of crispy chicken skin, tender meat, and flavorful rice – all in a single pan. While many recipes overcomplicate this classic comfort food, I’ve refined this method to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Let me show you how to master this essential dish your family will request again and again.

Recipe

This comforting chicken and rice dish has been my family’s go-to recipe for over a decade, and I can confidently say it’s the most foolproof comfort meal you’ll ever make. The magic happens when tender, juicy chicken pieces meld with perfectly fluffy rice, all cooked in one pot with aromatic herbs and rich chicken broth.

What sets this version apart is the secret addition of butter-sautéed garlic and onions that infuse every grain of rice with incredible flavor. I’ve tested countless variations, but this combination of ingredients creates that perfect balance of creamy, savory goodness that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a reliable weeknight dinner or someone who just loves good food without the fuss, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The best part? Your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma that’ll make the wait time feel like sweet torture.

Ingredients

This classic comfort dish relies on a careful balance of simple yet flavorful ingredients that work together to create a satisfying meal. The key is using high-quality chicken and the right type of rice for the perfect texture. While some ingredients are essential, others offer flexibility for customization based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry.

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on (alternatively use boneless, but bone-in adds more flavor)
• 2 cups long-grain white rice (jasmine rice preferred for its aromatic quality)
• 4 cups chicken broth (homemade is best, but low-sodium store-bought works well)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional add-ins:
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Pro tip: Toast the rice in olive oil before adding liquid for enhanced nutty flavor and better texture.

How to Make the Best Savory One-Pan Comfort Meal

• Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides. A proper seasoning foundation guarantees flavor penetrates the meat during cooking. Let the seasoned chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow the seasonings to adhere and help the meat cook more evenly.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside. The goal is to develop a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
• In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The vegetables will absorb the flavorful chicken drippings left in the pan.
• Add long-grain white rice to the pan and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This step adds depth and a subtle nutty flavor to the final dish. Make sure each grain is coated with the oil and vegetable mixture.
• Pour in chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These caramelized pieces contain concentrated flavor that will enhance the overall taste of the dish. Add bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
• Return chicken thighs to the pan, placing them on top of the rice mixture skin-side up. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
• Let the dish rest covered for 5-10 minutes off heat. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and the chicken juices to redistribute. Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving.
• Fluff the rice gently with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley. If desired, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for brightness. Serve immediately while hot, confirming each portion includes both chicken and rice.

Chef Tips



Having mastered the basic steps of this one-pan chicken and rice dish, I’ll share my professional tips to elevate your cooking even further.

Start by sharpening your knife skills – precise, uniform cuts guarantee even cooking.

For better time management, prep all ingredients before heating the pan. I’ve found measuring rice and liquid precisely prevents mushy results.

Monitor your heat levels carefully.

Nutrition



A serving of chicken and rice provides a balanced combination of protein and carbohydrates. This classic dish offers essential nutrients while being easily digestible.

Per serving (1 cup):

Calories: 320

Total Fat: 7g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Cholesterol: 65mg

Sodium: 520mg

Total Carbohydrates: 43g

Dietary Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 1g

Protein: 24g

Iron: 2mg

Calcium: 25mg

Potassium: 320mg

Vitamin A: 45IU

Vitamin C: 2mg

What You’ll Love About This Recipe



This classic comfort food combination brings together tender chicken and perfectly seasoned rice in one satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep solution, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results.

• Quick and Simple: Everything cooks in one pot, minimizing cleanup while delivering maximum flavor in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Budget-Friendly: Using basic pantry staples and affordable chicken pieces makes this a cost-effective meal that feeds the whole family.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different seasonings, vegetables, or types of rice to create new variations your family will love.

Recipe Card

This classic comfort dish combines tender chicken pieces with fragrant rice, creating a satisfying one-pot meal that’s both nourishing and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, skin-on
• 2 cups white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika
2. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
3. Brown chicken 5-7 minutes per side until golden
4. Remove chicken, add onion and garlic to pan
5. Add rice, stir to coat with oil
6. Pour in broth, return chicken to pan
7. Cover and simmer 20-25 minutes until rice is tender

Notes:

Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving

Equipment:

• Large skillet with lid
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Knife

Time:

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Cuisine: International

Serving: 4 servings