Description
This Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. Juicy chicken thighs simmer with savory spices and a fluffy bed of rice, creating a one-pot dinner that practically cooks itself. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a no-fuss dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or 4 chicken breasts)
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, for added color and nutrition)
Instructions
-
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil 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 (you don’t need to cook through). Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Prepare the rice mixture: In 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 turmeric (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Assemble the dish: Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Cook the rice: Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Do not lift the lid during cooking to ensure the steam stays trapped inside.
- Serve: Optional: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, you can add frozen peas for extra flavor and color. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
Notes
- You can swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts, but thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers.
- This recipe can also be made with boneless chicken, though bone-in chicken works best for flavor and moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg