Easy One-Pan Chicken and Rice Skillet

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A budget-conscious one-pan meal combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful bell peppers for a satisfying dinner. This american-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs jasmine rice, medium, sliced bell peppers, large, chopped onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 chicken thighs and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté 1 large chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add 2 sliced bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly charred.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tsp paprika. Cook for 1 minute, then add 1 cup jasmine rice, 2 cups chicken broth, and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Bring to a boil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat, nestle the chicken thighs into the rice, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender and the rice is fully cooked. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Easy One-Pan Chicken and Rice Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Easy One-Pan 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 jasmine rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Easy One-Pan 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 Easy One-Pan 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 Easy One-Pan Chicken and Rice Skillet?

American soups 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.

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