Description
This Forgotten Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting one-pan meal featuring tender, seared chicken thighs cooked over fluffy, flavorful rice simmered in chicken broth and aromatic spices. Easy to prepare, it combines simple ingredients to create a hearty dinner perfect for busy weeknights, with optional peas added for color and nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or 4 chicken breasts)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Rice Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric (optional)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, for added color and nutrition)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Add the chicken to the pan and sear each side for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned, but not cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the rice mixture: Using the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the uncooked rice and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring to coat the rice with the oils and seasonings.
- Add liquid and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the turmeric if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Assemble the dish: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the rice. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to trap steam.
- Cook the rice: Reduce heat to low and let everything simmer gently for 35–40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain steam.
- Optional—Add peas and serve: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in frozen peas for added flavor and color. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skinless chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy and flavorful during cooking.
- Do not lift the lid while the rice and chicken are cooking to ensure proper steaming and tenderness.
- Frozen peas are optional but add a nice pop of color and extra nutrients.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs remain juicier.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
