One-Skillet Chicken and Rice

Name: One-Skillet Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Comfort Cravings Kitchen

I absolutely love this One-Skillet Chicken and Rice recipe for its simplicity and incredible flavor. Cooking everything in one skillet not only saves on dishes but also allows the chicken and rice to absorb all those delicious spices and juices. The vibrant colors of the veggies combined with the tender chicken make this dish a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers a comforting meal that my family devours every time we have it on the table.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-02-05T17:37:27.594Z

Making One-Skillet Chicken and Rice has become a staple in my kitchen due to its ease and deliciousness. I discovered that browning the chicken first is essential; it locks in flavor and gives a lovely color to the dish. This step makes all the difference in elevating a simple meal into something truly special.

One tip I swear by is to use jasmine rice for a fragrant aroma that perfectly complements the spices. The slight stickiness of jasmine rice helps it absorb the broth beautifully, ensuring that every grain is infused with flavor and the chicken remains juicy and tender throughout the cooking process.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy one-pan meal packed with flavor
Tender chicken combined with perfectly cooked rice and veggies
Customizable with your favorite vegetables and spices

Ingredient Insights

The choice of jasmine rice is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in this dish. Its aromatic flavor complements the spices, while the slightly sticky texture helps the rice absorb the chicken broth and spices beautifully. If you don't have jasmine rice on hand, short-grain brown rice can be a great substitute, though you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid since it requires a longer cooking period and more broth to become tender.

Using boneless and skinless chicken thighs ensures a juicy and flavorful result, as they're less likely to dry out compared to chicken breasts. If you're looking for a leaner option, skinless chicken breasts can be used instead, but keep an eye on their cooking time, reducing it to about 4-5 minutes per side to prevent drying out.

Cooking Technique Tips

Searing the chicken until golden brown not only enhances the flavor through the Maillard reaction but also adds depth to the overall dish. Make sure to allow the skillet to get hot before adding the chicken. If the chicken is sticking, it’s a sign that you need to let it cook a bit longer before flipping; it should release easily when properly seared.

When sautéing the vegetables, aim for a vibrant color and translucent texture without browning them excessively. This keeps the dish bright and flavorful. Adding a pinch of salt while sautéing helps draw out moisture from the veggies, making them softer and enhancing their natural sweetness, which balances beautifully with the spices.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious meal:

Ingredients

1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
2 cups chicken broth
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Once you've prepped your ingredients, you're ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your one-skillet wonder:

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 3-4 minutes.

Cook the Rice

Add the rinsed jasmine rice to the skillet and stir for about a minute to toast the rice with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice.

Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious One-Skillet Chicken and Rice!

This simple method leaves you with minimal clean-up and maximum flavor!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as peas or carrots, for added nutrition. Adjust the seasoning to your liking for a personalized touch!

Make-Ahead and Storage

One-Skillet Chicken and Rice is an excellent meal prep option. You can cook the chicken and rice in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, just add a splash of chicken broth or water in a skillet over low heat to restore moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes, ensuring the rice doesn’t stick to the pan.

If you want to freeze leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This dish keeps well in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet, as mentioned, for best results.

Serving Suggestions

This dish stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a fresh side salad or steamed green veggies like broccoli or green beans adds a wonderful contrast in both texture and flavor. A light vinaigrette can elevate the meal, providing a zesty balance to the richness of the chicken and rice.

For those who enjoy a little kick, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños while sautéing the vegetables. This small addition can elevate the dish to a new level and bring a warm depth to the flavors, perfect for heat lovers.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires more water and a longer cooking time.

→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked dish for up to 3 months. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.

→ Can I make this recipe with other proteins?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey, pork, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

→ What can I serve alongside this dish?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables can complement this dish wonderfully, adding freshness to the meal.