Why Make This Recipe
One-Pan Chicken and Rice is a fantastic dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a quick meal without a lot of cleanup. The combination of juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and tasty spices makes this dish a family favorite. Plus, everything cooks in one pan, saving you time on dishes.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetables of choice (e.g., peas, carrots)
Directions
- In a large pan, heat some oil over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add the chicken to the pan and brown on both sides.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add rice and stir for a minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and return the chicken to the pan.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.
- Cook for about 20 minutes until rice is fluffy and chicken is cooked through.
- If using, add vegetables in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat, let sit for a few minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve.
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken and Rice
Serve One-Pan Chicken and Rice hot straight from the pan. You can garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if you like. This dish pairs well with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store One-Pan Chicken and Rice
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. When reheating, add a splash of water to help restore moisture.
Tips to Make One-Pan Chicken and Rice
- Make sure to brown the chicken well for a deeper flavor.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
Variation
You can add different spices, like cumin or turmeric, for a twist on flavor. If you want a creamy version, stir in some cream or cheese at the end of cooking.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and use more liquid. Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.
What if I don’t have chicken breasts?
You can use chicken thighs or even leftover cooked chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving.
One-Pan Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts Boneless and skinless recommended
- 1 cup rice Long grain or your preferred type
- 2 cups chicken broth Use low-sodium for less salt
- 1 piece onion, chopped Any type of onion can be used
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic for better flavor
- 1 teaspoon paprika For color and flavor
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference
- as desired Vegetables of choice (e.g., peas, carrots) Customize based on taste
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large pan, heat some oil over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add the chicken to the pan and brown on both sides.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add rice and stir for a minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and return the chicken to the pan.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.
- Cook for about 20 minutes until rice is fluffy and chicken is cooked through.
- If using, add vegetables in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat, let sit for a few minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve.
