Are you ready to transform your weeknight dinners into a culinary delight? Discover the magic of "One Pot Italian Tomato Chicken and Rice," a dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also simplifies your cooking routine! With just a handful of ingredients and a single pot, you can create a hearty and flavorful meal that serves four—perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Imagine succulent chicken thighs simmered to perfection in a savory tomato sauce, paired with fluffy rice infused with Italian herbs. This recipe is your ticket to a deliciously easy dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of chicken thighs, 1 cup of rice, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, and fresh basil for garnish.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs, seasoned with salt and pepper, and sear them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it in the oil and flavors, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, return the seared chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the rice and tomato mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- After the cooking time, check that the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and fluff the rice with a fork. If necessary, adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish. Serve hot and enjoy your One Pot Italian Tomato Chicken and Rice!
Tips
- Sear the Chicken: Don't skip the searing step! Browning the chicken thighs adds a depth of flavor that makes the dish even more delicious. Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to get that perfect golden crust.
- Toast the Rice: Toasting the rice for a minute or two before adding the liquids helps enhance its nutty flavor and ensures it absorbs the delicious tomato and broth mixture beautifully.
- Check the Liquid: If you find the rice is still a bit hard after the cooking time, add a splash more chicken broth or water and let it simmer a few minutes longer.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit covered for an additional 5 minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together and makes the rice even fluffier.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh basil adds not only a pop of color but also a burst of freshness. Don’t be shy—add a generous handful before serving for that perfect finishing touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
