Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Italian Chicken and Rice recipe! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken nestled on a bed of perfectly cooked, flavor-packed rice that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. This one-skillet wonder is not just a meal, but a delicious journey that combines simplicity with incredible taste, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family and friends with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by washing and patting chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and brown chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and diced bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the vegetable mixture, toasting the rice for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
- Reduce heat to low and let the dish simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and the flavors to meld.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, plate the chicken thighs over the rice, and serve hot. Optional: garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven for even heat distribution and better browning.
- Toast the rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
- Don't rush the cooking process - low and slow is the key to tender chicken and fluffy rice.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and rice to absorb remaining moisture.
- For extra flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of white wine.
- Check chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Experiment with garnishes like fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 324kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
