One-Pot Chicken and Tomato Rice Simmer
Tender chicken thighs cooked with aromatic spices and tomatoes in a one-pot rice simmer for a comforting meal. This mediterranean-inspired rice & grains ready in about 50 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 4 pieces (about 1.5 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced canned tomatoes
- 1 1/4 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 bone-in chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then brown them skin-side down for 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Step 2: Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; cook for 3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Add 1 1/4 cups long-grain white rice and stir to coat with the tomato mixture.
- Step 6: Pour in 2 cups chicken stock and nestle the browned chicken thighs on top. Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Step 7: Remove from heat, let rest covered for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Chicken and Tomato Rice Simmer take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 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 One-Pot Chicken and Tomato Rice Simmer?
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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Chicken and Tomato Rice Simmer?
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-Pot Chicken and Tomato Rice Simmer 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-Pot Chicken and Tomato Rice Simmer?
Mediterranean rice & grains 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
- ★★★★★
This was a hit with my kids! The flavors were so fresh and the rice turned out perfectly.
- ★★★★★
Loved the simplicity and how the dish came together in one pot. Made it for a dinner party and everyone raved.
- ★★★★☆
The rice was a bit bland for my taste, but the chicken was tender. Next time I'll add more herbs.
