Description
This easy, one-pan meal combines flavorful chicken thighs with seasoned rice in a rich, savory broth. Topped with creamy tzatziki sauce and garnished with fresh green onions, this dish is perfect for a quick, no-fuss dinner. The rice is cooked to perfection, and the chicken is juicy, with a nice crispy texture on top.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ cups uncooked basmati rice
- 6 chicken thighs (or sausage for a different twist)
- 1½ tsp mixed herbs
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion (chopped, any type of onion works)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup green onions (for garnish, optional substitutes: chives, parsley, or coriander)
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine smoked paprika, mixed herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear and set aside.
- Place chicken thighs in a larger bowl and coat with the seasoning, saving about a teaspoon for later.
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat, add chicken thighs skin-side down, and sear for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté chopped onions in the hot oil until softened and translucent.
- Add butter and stir until melted.
- Stir in the rinsed rice and toast for 1-2 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Pour chicken stock over the rice, add reserved seasoning, and stir to combine. Deglaze the pan by scraping the bottom.
- Arrange chicken thighs over the rice, cover with the lid, and cook on low-medium heat for 15-20 minutes (depending on rice type).
- Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, garnish with chopped green onions. Let it stand for 3 minutes, fluff with a fork, and serve.
Notes
- If the chicken seems dry after cooking, stir it into the rice for a more flavorful and moist dish.
- Adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio based on the type of rice you use.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or sausage if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: One-pan meal, chicken and rice, easy dinner, quick recipe, dump-and-bake, one-pot chicken, tzatziki