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Yesica Andrews

One Pot Chicken and Rice Easy Weeknight Dinner

This one pot chicken and rice recipe is a simple and comforting meal perfect for an easy dinner or a family dinner after a busy day. Featuring tender, juicy skinless chicken thighs and fluffy basmati rice, it’s a go-to weeknight meal that combines delicious flavors with minimal cleanup. Enjoy this easy one pot meal that everyone will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 441
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ cups uncooked basmati rice
  • 6 chicken thighs
  • 1 ½ tsp mixed herbs Substitute with Italian seasoning or herb de Provence
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 Tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 cup onion chopped any types of onion would work for this recipe.
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken stock.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup green onions to garnish sub with chives, parsley or coriander

Method
 

  1. Combine smoked paprika, mixed herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear and set aside.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and coat them with the seasoned spice mix, keeping about a teaspoon of the seasoning aside for later.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown them for about 3 minutes per side until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions until soft and translucent. Stir in the butter until melted.
  5. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
  6. Pour in the chicken stock and sprinkle the reserved seasoning over the rice. Stir thoroughly, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
  7. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Place the chicken thighs evenly on top of the rice. Cover with a lid and cook on low to medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
  9. Once cooked, sprinkle chopped green onions over the dish. Cover again and allow it to rest for 3 minutes.
  10. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, serve, and enjoy your meal!

Notes

  • If the chicken surface appears dry at the end, don't worry—simply mix it gently into the rice to bring back moisture and shine. When using different types of rice, you may need to adjust the liquid amount and cooking time accordingly.