Chicken Thigh and Rice Recipes: A One-Pan Wonder for the Whole Family
Discover one of the best chicken thigh and rice recipes, flavorful, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pan dish blends juicy chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and aromatic spices. A comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that's quick to prep and even better the next day!
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs 3-3 ½ pounds
- chopped parsley for serving
For the Rice
- 1 ½ cups basmati rice rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely diced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups hot water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and turmeric powder. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, if time permits.
- Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and sear until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the finely diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot and stir to coat with the onion and oil mixture. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the rice lightly.
- Pour in 2 cups of hot water, and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the pot, placing them on top of the rice. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to steam and fluff.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your one-pan chicken thigh and rice dish!
Notes
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach. For added flavor, substitute hot water with chicken broth. Adjust cooking times if using different cuts of chicken or types of rice.
