Cooking can be a delightful adventure, especially when it involves tantalizing aromas wafting through the kitchen. Imagine the joy of pulling a perfectly cooked one pan chicken and rice dish from the oven, where tender chicken mingles with fluffy rice, all infused with spices that dance on your palate. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together.
Now, picture this: a busy weeknight, kids swirling around like tornadoes while you try to whip up something that won’t leave you crying over burnt pots. Enter one pan chicken and rice—your culinary superhero! It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers a flavor-packed punch that will make everyone at the table smile.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This one pan chicken and rice is an absolute game changer for weeknight dinners
- It combines simplicity with robust flavors that will impress anyone
- The vibrant colors of the vegetables complement the golden chicken beautifully on your plate
- Perfectly versatile, you can swap out ingredients based on what you have or your family’s preferences
Sharing this recipe at family gatherings always gets rave reviews, with friends asking for seconds and thirds as they savor every bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust based on how many you’re feeding.
-
Long-Grain Rice: Opt for long-grain rice for fluffy results that won’t stick together.
-
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing flavor.
-
Fresh Vegetables: Bell peppers and peas add color and nutrition; feel free to get creative!
-
Garlic Powder: This adds depth without the fuss of peeling garlic cloves.
-
Onion Powder: A sprinkle gives it an aromatic base that complements the chicken perfectly.
-
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for a rich flavor when sautéing your ingredients.
-
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Pan: Grab a large skillet or frying pan and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. This sets the stage for flavor!
Sear That Chicken!: Add the boneless chicken breasts to the pan once hot. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The aroma will quickly fill your kitchen.
Add in Rice and Broth: Pour in 1 cup of long-grain rice followed by 2 cups of chicken broth. Give it a good stir to combine everything, ensuring no clumps remain.
Toss in Your Veggies!: Gently fold in chopped bell peppers and peas now. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper before bringing everything to a gentle simmer.
Cover and Cook!: Reduce heat to low, cover your pan with a lid, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes until the rice absorbs all liquid. You’ll know it’s ready when everything looks fluffy!
Final Touches!: Once done cooking, remove from heat but let it sit covered for another 5 minutes before serving—this helps all those flavors meld together beautifully.
And there you have it! Each step leads you closer to that glorious moment when you finally serve up one pan chicken and rice—a dish so delightful that even your family might forget their phones at dinner! Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This one pan chicken and rice recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights
- It’s easy to prepare, clean up, and the flavor explosion will have everyone begging for seconds
- The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like a five-star restaurant
Perfecting the Cooking Process
The best sequence for cooking this dish is to brown the chicken first for maximum flavor, then add veggies and rice while simmering everything together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the chicken with tofu or add seasonal veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture; they won’t dry out easily
- Always let your chicken rest before slicing for juiciness
- Don’t skip the seasoning on your rice; it’s where much of the flavor comes from!
Sharing this dish with friends always brings back memories of laughter and fun times around the table, especially when someone declares it “the best chicken ever.”
FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust cooking times as brown rice takes longer to cook.
What can I serve with one pan chicken and rice?
A fresh salad or steamed vegetables pair wonderfully with this dish.
How do I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking for a kick!
One Pan Chicken and Rice
One Pan Chicken and Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that transforms busy weeknights into culinary delights. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables all cooked together in one pan, this recipe offers a hassle-free experience that will have your family asking for seconds. The combination of spices creates an aromatic feast that not only satisfies hunger but also fosters connection around the dinner table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Add rice and broth; stir to combine.
- Fold in bell peppers and peas, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice absorbs liquid.
- Let sit covered for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
