Easy One-Pan Chicken and Garlic Rice Recipe
You’re rushing home after a long day, craving something hearty but hating the thought of a sink full of dishes. That’s where my go-to one-pan chicken and garlic rice comes in – easy prep, low-cost ingredients, virtually no washing up, delicious flavors – bliss! Whether I’m camping under the stars, entertaining a bunch of friends, or just whipping up a quick dinner for my family, this dish hits the spot every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one-pan wonder saves you time and hassle. No need to juggle multiple pots; everything cooks together for maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s like a hug on a plate after a busy day.
Affordable ingredients make it budget-friendly. Chicken thighs, rice, garlic – stuff you probably have on hand. I love how it turns basic pantry staples into something special.
The garlic and herbs create an aroma that fills your home. It’s satisfying, versatile, and kid-approved in my house. Plus, it’s healthier than takeout without skimping on taste.
Recipe Overview
This easy chicken and rice recipe is straightforward and foolproof. Prep time is about 10 minutes, cook time around 40 minutes, for a total of 50 minutes. It serves 4 people generously.
Difficulty level? Beginner-friendly. You’ll need a large skillet or Dutch oven. Calories per serving hover around 550, but we’ll dive into nutrition later.
It’s a one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Think simple chicken rice casserole vibes, but fresher and faster.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this garlic chicken and rice dish, gather these everyday items. I always use bone-in chicken thighs for extra juiciness – about 1.5 pounds (around 4-6 pieces).
You’ll need 1 cup of long-grain rice, like basmati or jasmine, for that fluffy texture. Don’t forget 4 cloves of garlic, minced – it’s the star!
Seasonings include 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and sweet paprika, plus salt and pepper to taste. Add 2 cups of chicken broth for depth.
A medium onion, diced, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil round it out. Optional: A squeeze of lemon for brightness at the end.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken thighs dry, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Sear them skin-side down for 5 minutes until golden.
Flip the chicken and cook another 3 minutes. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the rice, coating it with the flavorful bits. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Nestle the chicken back in, skin-side up.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to low simmer. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F internally. Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
Always rinse your rice beforehand to avoid stickiness. I learned that the hard way after a few gummy batches!
If your chicken isn’t browning well, crank up the heat a bit. But watch the garlic – it burns fast and turns bitter.
For even cooking, use a pan with a tight-fitting lid. If broth evaporates too quickly, add a splash more. Test the rice at 20 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Personal tip: I like adding frozen peas in the last 5 minutes for color and veggies. It boosts nutrition without extra work.
Variations
Switch up proteins with boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option. Just reduce cook time to avoid dryness.
Go vegetarian by swapping chicken for chickpeas or tofu. Use veggie broth and amp up spices like cumin for that easy veggie rice pilaf twist.
Spice lovers, add cayenne or chopped jalapeños. For a Mediterranean vibe, toss in olives and feta after cooking. I’ve tried it with shrimp too – delish!
Make it creamy by stirring in coconut milk instead of some broth. It’s like a fusion chicken rice curry that’s exotic yet simple.
How to Serve
Plate this one-pot chicken and rice straight from the pan for that rustic feel. Garnish with fresh parsley or a lemon wedge to brighten flavors.
Pair it with a crisp side salad or steamed broccoli. In my family, we love it with yogurt on the side for a cool contrast.
It’s great for meal prep – portion into bowls for lunches. Serve hot, but it’s tasty cold too, like a chicken rice salad.
Storage Instructions
Let leftovers cool completely before storing. Pop them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave with a damp paper towel or warm in a skillet with a bit of water. It revives the fluffiness nicely.
Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat. Avoid refreezing to keep the texture intact.
Pro tip: Label with dates. I’ve forgotten once and ended up with mystery meals!
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (based on 4 servings): About 550 calories, 28g protein, 45g carbs, 28g fat. It’s a balanced meal with iron from chicken and fiber from rice.
Low in sugar at 2g, but sodium around 800mg – watch if you’re salt-sensitive. Garlic adds antioxidants, thyme brings anti-inflammatory perks.
This easy garlic rice with chicken is gluten-free naturally. Adjust portions for calorie control; it’s satisfying without feeling heavy.
Note: Values vary by ingredients. I use an app to calculate mine for accuracy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, but add extra broth and cook 10-15 minutes longer. It gets nuttier, healthier too. I’ve done it for a whole-grain twist.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Mild flavors win over picky eaters. Blend spices if needed. My kids devour it without complaints.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
Water works, but add bouillon or herbs for flavor. Veggie broth is fine for a lighter version.
Can I make it ahead?
Prep ingredients the night before. Cook fresh for best texture, but it reheats well. Great for busy days.
How do I know when it’s done?
Chicken should be 165°F; rice tender but not mushy. Poke a fork in – easy test!
Conclusion
Wrapping up, this one-pan chicken and garlic rice is all about simplicity meeting scrumptiousness – tender chicken, flavorful rice, zero fuss. It’s become my secret weapon for those nights when I want comfort food without the cleanup drama. You’ve got an easy, affordable meal that packs in garlic goodness and herb magic, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends.
Give it a whirl in your kitchen soon; I promise it’ll earn a spot in your rotation. Save this recipe for later, or tweak it with your own twists. What’s your favorite variation? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear! Try this tonight and let the flavors do the talking.
