The Most Addictive One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe You'll Ever Try

chicken thighs

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: bone-in chicken pieces

Chicken breast is leaner, while bone-in pieces add flavor and moisture.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is healthier, while vegetable oil is more affordable.

Gather all ingredients: 4 bone-in chicken thighs, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 red bell pepper, 1/2 onion, 1 cup basmati rice, 2 cups chicken stock, 1 teaspoon thyme, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and olive oil.

Mix the seasonings: 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Sprinkle evenly on both sides of the chicken thighs. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-3 hours.

Cut the red bell pepper and half an onion. For the bell pepper, cut along the ridges to remove seeds easily. Rough chop the bell pepper and set aside with the chopped onion.

Pour about 1/4 cup olive oil into a large skillet and heat on low. Once heated, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook for about 3 minutes on medium-low heat, then increase to medium-high and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until seared. Remove chicken and set aside.

Add chopped bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

Add 1 teaspoon thyme and 3/4 teaspoon salt to the vegetables and mix well.

Add 1 cup basmati rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with the oil and vegetables. Cook for a minute to help reduce starches.

Pour in 2 cups of chicken stock, stirring to release any remaining brown bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer.

Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, cover, and let simmer on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes until the rice has absorbed the liquid and the chicken is cooked through.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: