One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic Rice
Juicy chicken thighs simmered in a savory tomato basil sauce served atop aromatic garlic-infused rice, all cooked in one pot for simple cleanup. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (canned)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken skin side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook 3 more minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium. Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the same pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices and 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup long grain white rice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Return chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic Rice take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic Rice?
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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic Rice?
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 Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic Rice 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 Tomato Basil Chicken with Garlic Rice?
Italian 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
- ★★★★★
Easy and delicious. Made it for date night and my partner loved it.
- ★★★★★
This was a hit with my family! The flavors were perfect and the garlic rice was divine.
- ★★★★☆
Perfect balance of tomato and basil. My kids asked for seconds.
