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Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe for Beginners to Master Quickly

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A comforting and fuss-free one-pot chicken and rice recipe perfect for beginners, delivering tender chicken and fluffy rice with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (200 grams)
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth (600 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the chicken thighs and pat dry with paper towels. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the carrot. Measure out rice and spices. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Place chicken thighs skin side down and cook until skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Flip and brown the other side for 3-4 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and carrot to the pan, stirring occasionally until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, careful not to burn.
  4. Stir in rice, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toast the rice slightly by stirring for about 1 minute.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Nestle chicken thighs back on top of the rice, skin side up.
  6. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then cover with lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer without lifting lid for 20-25 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  7. Turn off heat and let dish rest, covered, for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Notes

Do not skip browning the chicken for best flavor and texture. Keep the lid on during simmering to avoid undercooked rice. Toast the rice briefly before adding broth for better texture. Adjust cooking time and broth if rice is still crunchy after simmering. Resting the dish after cooking helps lock in moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, chicken and rice, easy dinner, beginner recipe, comfort food, quick meal, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/easy-one-pot-chicken-and-rice-recipe-for-beginners-to-master-quickly/