chicken thighs and rice recipe

chicken thighs and rice recipe

The Best chicken thighs and rice recipe

I’ve been making this chicken thighs and rice recipe for years, and it’s still a staple in our household. The dish originated from my grandmother, who learned it from her mother, and it’s been passed down through generations. The combination of tender chicken thighs, fluffy rice, and flavorful spices is a perfect blend of comfort food and international flair.

I love how the chicken absorbs all the flavors of the spices and herbs, while the rice provides a nice contrast in texture. The key to this recipe is to cook the chicken low and slow, so it’s tender and falls apart easily. This method also helps to infuse the rice with all the flavors of the dish.

I’ve served this recipe at family gatherings, potlucks, and even as a quick weeknight dinner. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and I’m sure it will be in your household as well. This recipe is also great for its health benefits.

Chicken thighs are a lean protein source, and when cooked with brown rice, you get a good dose of fiber and complex carbohydrates. The spices add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for overall health. Plus, the low-sodium levels make this dish suitable for those on a low-sodium diet.

One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it as is, or add some steamed vegetables or a side salad to make it more substantial. I also like to experiment with different spice blends to give it a unique flavor profile each time I make it.

One Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs and Rice

One Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs and Rice

4.9 from 560 votes

A comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken thighs and fluffy rice, infused with lemon and herbs, perfect for a easy weeknight dinner. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Rice

1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth

For the Chicken

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried mixed herbs

For the Sauce

1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp dried oregano

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2In a large oven safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute.
4Add rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with oil and garlic.
5Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until rice is lightly toasted.
6Add chicken broth, stir well, and bring to a boil.
7Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
8While the rice is simmering, season chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried mixed herbs.
9Place the chicken thighs, skin side down, on top of the rice in the skillet.
10Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken skin is crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
11Remove the skillet from the oven.
12Sprinkle lemon zest evenly over the chicken and rice.
13Drizzle lemon juice over the chicken and rice, and sprinkle dried oregano over the top.
14Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.

🔧Equipment

Large oven safe skillet
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra flavor, add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the skillet before adding the rice.

Watch Video Of How One Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs and Rice Works

This chicken thighs and rice recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it’s easy to make ahead of time and can be reheated quickly when needed.

You can serve it as a main course or add some steamed vegetables or a side salad to make it more substantial.

The best part about this recipe is how adaptable it is – you can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences or use different types of protein sources like tofu or tempeh for a vegan version.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About One Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs and Rice

1.

Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
No, you should not use boneless chicken breasts as they will dry out quickly when cooked low and slow. Thighs are more suitable for this recipe because they have more connective tissue that breaks down during cooking, making them tender and juicy.

2.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
To prevent the rice from becoming mushy, make sure to stir-fry it in oil before adding water. This helps to separate the grains and prevents them from sticking together.

3.

Can I cook the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in advance by refrigerating or freezing it until you’re ready to serve. This makes meal prep easier on busy days.

4.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
No, this recipe is not suitable for vegans because it contains chicken thighs which are an animal product. However, you can modify the recipe by substituting plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh.

5.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.

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