Description
This 30-Minute Chicken and Rice Skillet is a quick, hearty, one-pan dinner made with juicy chicken thighs, fluffy rice, garlic, and simple spices. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and packed with comforting flavor.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup frozen peas (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and season with paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano. Sear for 5 to 6 minutes until browned, then remove from skillet.
2. Add diced onion to the same skillet and sauté for 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
3. Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute to toast slightly. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
5. Remove from heat, rest 5 minutes, then stir in peas and garnish with parsley. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for the juiciest results, but chicken breast can work if preferred.
Frozen peas can be swapped with corn or chopped spinach.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or stir in cheese before serving.
Leftovers keep well for 3 days and reheat beautifully with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: 30-minute chicken and rice skillet, one pan chicken, quick dinner, chicken skillet