Craving a delicious, hassle-free dinner that'll have your family begging for seconds? Look no further than this mouthwatering One Pot Chicken Rice Dinner! Imagine a single skillet packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and colorful vegetables - all prepared with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. This American-style comfort meal is about to become your new weeknight hero, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast that's both satisfying and incredibly easy to make.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, chopping the onion finely, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces to the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and slightly softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
- Pour in long-grain rice and stir to coat the rice with the oil and onion mixture, toasting it lightly for about 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the rice and broth.
- Add mixed vegetables over the top of the chicken and rice.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- After cooking time, remove the lid and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, check seasoning, and add additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot directly from the skillet, ensuring each portion has chicken, rice, and mixed vegetables.
Tips
- Choose the right pan: Use a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid to ensure even cooking and moisture retention.
- Chicken selection matters: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they remain juicy and flavorful throughout cooking.
- Rice pro tip: Toast the rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Don't skip the resting time: Letting the dish sit for 5 minutes after cooking allows the rice to absorb remaining liquid and become perfectly fluffy.
- Customize your vegetables: Feel free to swap mixed vegetables based on what you have on hand or your family's preferences.
- Season generously: Don't be shy with salt and pepper - they're crucial for bringing out the dish's full flavor potential.
- For extra richness, you can add a pat of butter or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 110mg
