Chicken and Rice Skillet

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: Fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily. Serve immediately.

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

Related recipes