Imagine a mouthwatering meal that comes together in just 45 minutes, dirties only one pan, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen! This incredible one-pan chicken and rice dish is about to become your new go-to recipe for those busy weeknights when you want maximum taste with minimal effort. Packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and colorful vegetables, this international-inspired recipe will have your family begging for seconds before they've even finished their first bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: International
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 2 cups rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting chicken breast into 1-inch cubes, ensuring even sizing for consistent cooking.
- Select a large, deep skillet or wide pan with high sides that can accommodate all ingredients comfortably.
- Heat the pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Season chicken cubes with garlic powder and paprika, ensuring even coating on all pieces.
- Place chicken in the heated pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown all sides and develop rich flavor.
- Add mixed vegetables to the pan with chicken, sautéing together for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Pour rice and chicken broth into the pan, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is fully absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to fully steam.
- Fluff rice with a fork, check seasoning, and serve hot directly from the pan.
Tips
- Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and prevent any undercooked or overcooked pieces.
- Use a high-quality, wide skillet with a tight-fitting lid to help distribute heat evenly and trap steam for perfect rice.
- Don't skip the browning step for chicken - those golden edges add incredible depth of flavor to the entire dish.
- For extra flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of white wine when cooking.
- Let the dish rest for those crucial 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and rice to steam perfectly.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or swap chicken for another protein like shrimp or tofu.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg
