One pan chicken and rice
This Middle Eastern-inspired one-pan chicken and rice is incredibly easy to make and absolutely packed with flavor. It’s the perfect go-to meal when you need something fast, hearty, and satisfying.
Servings 6 People
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken thighs
- 2 cups basmati rice parboiled rice, or a mix of both
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 3 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp seven spice
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Toasted nuts for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the chicken with cold water and a little vinegar, then pat dry.
- Wash the rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
- Season the chicken with half of the spices. Reserve the other half to season the rice.
- Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, until golden. Flip to the other side, cover, and cook for another 10 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, mix the rice with the remaining spices and the bouillon cube.
- Add the rice mixture on top of the chicken. Pour in enough water or chicken broth to cover the rice. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and cook for 30 minutes.
- While the rice and chicken cook, toast the nuts in a bit of oil. Set aside.
- Prepare a simple salad to serve on the side.
- Once the rice and chicken are done, garnish with chopped parsley and the toasted nuts.
- Serve warm with the salad on the side.
Notes
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: Opt for a thick, heavy-based pan with a lid to ensure even heat distribution and prevent uncooked rice pockets.
- Sear Chicken Properly: Avoid overcooking the chicken during searing; aim for a browned exterior while keeping the interior moist, as it will cook further with the rice.
- Choose the Right Rice: Long-grain white rice, such as basmati, is ideal for this recipe due to its non-clumping nature.
- Avoid Lifting the Lid: Once you’ve added the liquid, resist the temptation to lift the lid during cooking. This ensures the rice absorbs all the liquid and cooks evenly.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish rest with the lid on for a few minutes. This allows any remaining liquid to be absorbed and the flavors to meld.
- Use an Oven-Proof Skillet: If you plan to transfer your dish from stovetop to oven, ensure you’re using a skillet that can handle both, like cast iron or stainless steel.
- Customize with Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables such as onions, garlic, spinach, mushrooms, peas, carrots, green beans, or bell peppers to enhance both flavor and nutrition.
- Consider Seasoning Variations: Adjust spices and herbs according to your taste preferences. Adding ingredients like paprika, cumin, turmeric, or garlic powder can introduce new flavor dimensions.