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How to Make Chicken and Rice

An easy one pan meal in about 30 minutes

Looking for a delicious dinner with minimal cleanup? This One Pan Chicken and Rice recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you need a no-fuss, hearty meal. What makes this meal amazing? Juicy bone-in chicken thighs are seasoned with bold Cajun spices and pan-seared to perfection! They're simmered with fragrant basmati rice, savory chicken broth, red kidney beans, and a colorful mix of red and green bell peppers and onions. This dish combines chicken and rice with veggies seamlessly. Best of all, it all comes together in just one pan and about 30 minutes!

This dish is ideal for families or meal prepping, offering both incredible flavor and a balanced meal with protein, veggies, and carbs in every bite. Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced home chef, this one pan wonder makes dinner stress-free without sacrificing taste.

Why you'll love this chicken and rice recipe?

  • One pan recipe=easy clean up. I made this entire recipe in one cast iron pan. Everything from the chicken thighs to the vegetables, right down to the rice and beans were made in one pan. One pan also means every bit of your ingredients will share that same flavor!
  • Ready in about 30 minutes. Everything comes together rather quickly with a recipe like this! Once those thighs sear, you would add the rice, beans, and broth. From there, it's as simple as putting in the oven and playing the waiting game!
  • Bold, savory Cajun flavor! The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a distinct spicy flavor. It's not too spicy but the flavor is immaculate for this chicken and rice combination!
  • Great for weeknight dinners. This meal is ideal for families needing a filling weeknight dinner without having to wash a ton of dishes or follow any complicated steps. I make this twice a month for my family and it comes together in no time!
  • Kid-friendly and meal prep approved. You can also use boneless chicken thighs for the kiddos too! This chicken and rice recipe is also perfect for meal prep as it has all of the ingredients for protein and carb friendly meals.
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 350  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

Looking for a delicious dinner with minimal cleanup? This One Pan Chicken and Rice recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you need a no-fuss, hearty meal.

Ingredients
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup basmati rice (rinsed)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can kidney beans (15 oz)
  • 1 small red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 small green bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
  • 2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
  1. 1
    In a large bowl, season chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, and all-purpose seasoning. Rub evenly on all sides and inside the skin.
  2. 2
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside (chicken will finish cooking later).
  3. 3
    In the same pan, add your tbsp of butter. Scrape the bits with the butter deglazing the pan, then add chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened, scraping up any bits from the pan for added flavor.
  4. 4
    Add the turmeric to the pan.
  5. 5
    Stir in the rinsed basmati rice and let it toast for 1 minute. Add chicken broth and kidney beans, stirring to combine.
  6. 6
    Add the chicken thighs back into the pan on top of the rice. Cover the pan with a lid, add to your pre-heated oven for 30-35 minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
  7. 7
    Remove from heat. Let sit covered for 10 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
Keywords: one pan chicken and rice, easy chicken and rice recipe, 30 minute meals, Cajun chicken and rice, chicken thigh rice recipe, weeknight chicken dinner, quick one pan meals
Read it online: https://cookingwithpatlee.com/recipe/how-to-make-chicken-and-rice/