One-pan Chicken and Garlic Rice

One-Pan Chicken and Garlic Rice: Quick, Cozy, and Delicious Family Dinner

These comforting chicken thighs infused with garlic over a bed of savory rice promise a wholesome family meal in just one pan. With minimal clean-up and a burst of flavor in every bite, this one-pan wonder will quickly become a weeknight staple in your home.

Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, and you want to provide your family with something hearty yet uncomplicated. That’s where this One-Pan Chicken and Garlic Rice comes in, bringing warmth to your kitchen with its rich aromas and simple preparation. I absolutely adore recipes that make family dinners feel special without the fuss. This dish embraces that philosophy perfectly, delivering a delicious meal that even the littlest of tasters will devour.


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One-Pan Chicken and Garlic Rice

This comforting one-pan dish features chicken thighs infused with garlic over savory jasmine rice, promising a wholesome family meal.

  • Author: anytimesrecipegmail-com
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tsp sea salt flakes
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp cracked black pepper
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 5 boneless chicken thighs (skin on or off)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
  • 1 cup (200 g) jasmine rice
  • 1½ cups (375 ml) chicken stock
  • Fresh thyme sprigs, to garnish (optional)
  • Mixed leaf salad (for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a shallow bowl, mix sea salt flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and cracked black pepper with olive oil. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly in the marinade.
  2. Heat a large, deep pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown. Set the chicken aside and discard excess fat if desired.
  3. Deglaze the pan with water, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom.
  4. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the rice and chicken stock, bringing to a gentle simmer. Return chicken (skin-side up) to the pan, cover, and cook on low heat for 15 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and let stand, still covered, for another 10 minutes.
  7. Serve with fresh thyme and a mixed leaf salad.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

A warm hug from my kitchen to yours. Hope this dish brings you Joy 🙂

Why You’ll Love This Cozy Recipe

What could be better than a family-friendly dinner that warms both the heart and the home? This one-pan recipe not only minimizes dish duty but also lets the flavors meld beautifully as they cook together. It takes just about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for those hectic evenings when everyone is gathering around the table for a well-deserved meal.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Garlic Rice

Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp sea salt flakes
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp cracked black pepper
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 5 boneless chicken thighs (skin on or off, skin-on pictured)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
  • 1 cup (200 g) jasmine rice
  • 1½ cups (375 ml) chicken stock
  • Fresh thyme sprigs, to garnish (optional)
  • Mixed leaf salad (for serving)

Directions:

  1. In a shallow bowl, mix the sea salt flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and cracked black pepper with the olive oil. Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly in the marinade.
  2. Heat a large, deep pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6–8 minutes, flipping it halfway, until golden brown. Once cooked, set the chicken aside and discard any excess fat from the pan if desired—though remember, that fat adds extra flavor!
  3. Deglaze the pan with the water, scraping up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom.
  4. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Stir and let them cook for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Next, stir in the rice and chicken stock, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Return the chicken to the pan (skin-side up), cover, and cook on low heat for 15 minutes.
  6. After 15 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for another 10 minutes.
  7. Serve your dish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, if desired, alongside a refreshing mixed leaf salad.

Serving Suggestions for One-Pan Chicken and Garlic Rice

This dish shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side salad loaded with fresh greens. A simple vinaigrette adds a nice zing that complements the flavors of the chicken and rice. For a little crunch, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds to your salad!

Storing Your One-Pan Chicken and Garlic Rice

Leftovers? No problem! This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure to place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Tips to Perfect Your One-Pan Chicken and Garlic Rice

  1. Chicken Choices: While thighs are juicy and flavorful, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as they may vary slightly.
  2. Rice Selection: Jasmine rice imparts a lovely fragrance, but feel free to swap it for basmati or long-grain rice.
  3. Add Veggies: Consider adding frozen peas or carrots for a pop of color and nutrition. Simply stir them in with the rice.

Variations to Try

For an international twist, give this dish a Mediterranean flair by incorporating olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese right before serving. Or, to spice it up a bit, sprinkle in some chili flakes or cayenne pepper along with the seasonings.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, you can! Just remember that brown rice has a longer cooking time (~30-40 minutes) and will require additional liquid.

Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prep everything ahead of time, marinate the chicken, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, follow the directions as instructed.

What if I don’t have chicken stock?
No worries! You can substitute with vegetable stock or even water. Just be aware that this could slightly alter the overall flavor of the dish.

Now go ahead and create some cozy memories with this easy, delicious One-Pan Chicken and Garlic Rice! Your family will thank you for it!