Chicken and Rice Skillet
A one-pan wonder combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a savory broth for a comforting, no-wash meal perfect for busy weeknights. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs (boneless, skinless) chicken thighs, long grain rice, medium (chopped) onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (boneless, skinless) chicken thighs
- 1.5 cups long grain rice
- 1 medium (chopped) onion
- 3 cloves (minced) garlic
- 2 cups (diced) carrots
- 2 stalks (chopped) celery
- 4 cups (chicken or vegetable) broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp (fresh, chopped) thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups diced carrots and 2 chopped celery stalks, cooking for 5 minutes until slightly tender. Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tsp thyme, then add 1.5 cups long grain rice, stirring to coat.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups broth and season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1.5 lbs chicken thighs. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chicken and Rice Skillet take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Chicken and Rice Skillet?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep long grain rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken and Rice Skillet?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chicken and Rice Skillet for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chicken and Rice Skillet?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
