One-Pan Chicken and Rice Pilaf

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A flavorful one-pot meal combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and sautéed vegetables in a savory broth, perfect for weeknights. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs chicken thighs, long grain rice, medium, diced 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.

★ 4.0 (8 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, skin-side up. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is seared and golden, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups broth and 1 cup rice, stirring to coat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp thyme and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 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 One-Pan Chicken and Rice Pilaf?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

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

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 One-Pan Chicken and Rice Pilaf 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 One-Pan Chicken and Rice Pilaf?

Mediterranean 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.

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