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Cozy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe Perfect for Easy Comfort Meals

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A warm, comforting one-pot chicken and rice dish that is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for chilly evenings and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
  • 1½ cups long-grain white rice (about 300g), rinsed
  • 3 cups chicken broth (720ml), homemade or low-sodium store-bought
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoky or sweet)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and half the thyme. Dice onions, carrots, celery, and mince garlic. (Prep time about 10 minutes.)
  2. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes without moving to get a golden crust. Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the pot, then sauté onions, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add garlic and cook for another minute, careful not to burn.
  4. Add rinsed rice to the pot and stir well to coat with the buttery vegetables. Toast gently for 2 minutes until nutty aroma develops.
  5. Nestle chicken thighs back into the pot, skin-side up. Pour in chicken broth, add remaining thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 25-30 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
  7. Check that rice is tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If rice needs more time, cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish.
  8. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor. Rinse rice to remove excess starch and prevent gumminess. Avoid lifting the lid during simmering to keep rice and chicken moist. Add a splash of broth or water if rice dries out. Butter is optional and can be replaced with oil for dairy-free. For a low-carb version, substitute cauliflower rice added later in cooking. Can be made in an Instant Pot using sauté and pressure cook functions.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, chicken and rice, comfort food, easy dinner, cozy meal, weeknight recipe, bone-in chicken, gluten-free

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/cozy-one-pot-chicken-and-rice-recipe-perfect-for-easy-comfort-meals/