Imagine a dinner that's bursting with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and comes together in under an hour - sounds too good to be true? Meet the One Pan Chicken Dirty Rice, the ultimate weeknight meal that will revolutionize your cooking routine! This mouthwatering dish combines tender chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, and a symphony of flavors, all prepared in a single skillet. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a seasoned chef looking for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups uncooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting chicken into 1-inch pieces, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic. Measure out all spices and liquids beforehand.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add chicken pieces to the skillet, season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken until it's lightly browned on all sides and begins to develop a golden color, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Pour in uncooked white rice and stir to combine with the chicken and onions, allowing the rice to lightly toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to ensure rice and chicken are evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- Fluff rice with a fork, check seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot directly from the pan.
Tips
- Use high-quality chicken: Choose fresh, boneless chicken breast or thighs for the best texture and flavor.
- Toast the rice: Lightly toasting the rice before adding liquid helps enhance its nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Don't rush the sautéing: Take your time caramelizing the onions and browning the chicken to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Keep the lid on: When simmering the rice, resist the urge to peek! A tight-fitting lid ensures even cooking and perfectly steamed rice.
- Let it rest: The 5-minute resting period after cooking allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and helps the flavors meld together.
- Customize your spices: Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like cayenne pepper, dried herbs, or your favorite spice blend to make the dish your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg
