Chicken and Rice Recipe for Family Dinners

There’s something magical about the aroma of chicken sizzling in a skillet while rice absorbs all the delightful juices. This isn’t just any ordinary meal; it’s a comforting embrace on a plate. Imagine digging into tender pieces of chicken nestled on a fluffy bed of seasoned rice, each bite bursting with flavor that makes you want to dance in your kitchen.

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When I think of my childhood, I remember the anticipation as my mom prepared her legendary chicken and rice for family gatherings. It wasn’t just a dish; it was a tradition filled with laughter, stories, and the occasional spilled drink when Uncle Bob got too animated. No matter the occasion, chicken and rice always stole the show.

I remember one Thanksgiving when I decided to make this dish for my friends who had never tried it before. Their reactions were priceless—full mouths of joy followed by an enthusiastic chorus of “Mmm!” It felt like I had won a cooking competition right in my tiny kitchen.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: Juicy thighs are perfect here; they stay moist while cooking and absorb flavors beautifully.
• Long-Grain White Rice: This variety cooks up fluffy without becoming sticky—perfect for soaking up goodness.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to manage salt levels while enhancing the overall flavor.
• Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor; choose firm cloves for the best taste.
• Onion: A sweet onion adds depth; sauté until translucent to bring out its natural sweetness.
• Bell Peppers: Use colorful peppers for visual appeal; they add crunch and vibrant colors to your meal.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing; choose extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor profile.
• Spices (Paprika, Cumin): Paprika gives smokiness while cumin adds warmth; don’t skip these!
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances all other flavors; adjust to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your vegetables—mince garlic, dice onions, and slice bell peppers into thin strips. Gather everything so you’re ready to go!

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions first until they turn translucent—this should take about 3-5 minutes—then toss in garlic until fragrant.

Add Chicken: Place the boneless chicken thighs in the skillet, browning them on both sides—this should take around 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown.

Add Rice & Broth: Stir in the long-grain white rice followed by chicken broth. Ensure all grains are submerged while bringing it to a gentle simmer.

Toss In Spices: Sprinkle paprika and cumin over the mixture along with salt and pepper to taste. This will create layers of flavor as it cooks together.

Add Peppers & Simmer: Once boiling, lower heat and mix in bell peppers. Cover the skillet tightly and let everything cook on low heat for about 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.

After all that magic happens in your kitchen, serve this glorious dish hot from the pan! The vibrant colors will surely impress anyone lucky enough to share a meal with you today.

Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the chicken for flavor, then sauté onions and garlic before adding rice and broth.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the spices or add veggies like peas or bell peppers for extra flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water.

Cooking this chicken and rice dish reminds me of family gatherings filled with laughter and second helpings. Everyone always asks for my secret ingredient, which is just love—lots of it!

FAQ

What type of chicken should I use for chicken and rice?

Boneless skinless chicken thighs work best for their tenderness and flavor in this dish.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but increase cooking time and liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Use the correct water-to-rice ratio and avoid overcooking during simmering for perfect texture.

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Easy Chicken and Rice Recipe

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

This one-pot wonder features tender chicken thighs and fluffy rice, all infused with aromatic spices for a comforting meal that’s perfect any night.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (mixed colors)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients: Chop veggies—mince garlic, dice onion, and slice bell peppers.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent (3-5 minutes), then add garlic until fragrant.
3. Add chicken: Brown the chicken thighs for about 4-6 minutes per side until golden.
4. Add rice & broth: Stir in rice and pour in chicken broth, ensuring rice is submerged. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Toss in spices: Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
6. Add peppers & simmer: Mix in bell peppers, cover tightly, and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
7. Serve hot from the pan and enjoy!

Notes

• For added flavor, consider incorporating peas or other vegetables of your choice.
•  Double the recipe for larger gatherings or meal prep.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: One-pot cooking
• Cuisine: Comfort food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 100mg