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Quick 30-Minute Chicken and Rice Recipe

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A quick and easy chicken and rice dish perfect for busy evenings, delivering juicy chicken and flavorful rice in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color, optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the bell pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, sauté onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  4. Stir rinsed rice into the pan, coating it with oil and veggies. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, scraping browned bits from the pan. Stir gently.
  5. Nestle chicken thighs back into the pan, pressing slightly into the rice. Cover skillet with lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. After 18 minutes, check rice tenderness and chicken doneness (internal temp 165°F). If needed, add a splash of broth or water, cover, and cook a few more minutes.
  7. Remove pan from heat. Squeeze lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Let rest covered for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Rinsing rice removes excess starch and prevents gumminess. Avoid lifting the lid while simmering to ensure perfectly cooked rice. Adjust seasoning generously for best flavor. Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent sticking. For a vegetarian twist, substitute chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and rice, quick dinner, easy recipe, 30-minute meal, weeknight dinner, comfort food, one-pot meal

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/quick-30-minute-chicken-and-rice-recipe-easy-perfect-for-busy-evenings/