One Pot Chicken and Rice
A delightful dish combining tender chicken thighs with fluffy basmati rice, offering comforting flavors and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1.5 cups uncooked basmati rice Rinse until water runs clear.
- 6 pieces chicken thighs Can substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Salt and pepper To taste.
For the Sauce
- 1.5 teaspoons mixed herbs Can substitute with Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cups low sodium chicken stock Homemade stock can add extra flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion, chopped Any type of onion works.
- 1 tablespoon butter
To Serve
- 0.5 cup green onions, chopped Can substitute with chives, parsley, or coriander.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, mixed herbs, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until combined.
- In a larger mixing bowl, coat the chicken thighs with the seasoning mix, saving about a teaspoon for later. Make sure the chicken is well coated in the spices for maximum flavor.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken, skin side down, and sear for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the butter and stir until melted.
- Stir in the rinsed basmati rice and toast for about one minute, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Pour the chicken stock over the rice and add the reserved seasoning. Scrape the bottom of the pan as you stir to prevent burning.
- Arrange the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice, cover the pot, and cook on low-medium heat for about 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Serving
- Once cooked, garnish with chopped green onions, cover, and let it sit for another 3 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice right before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste and consider adding bell peppers along with the onions for added texture.