Description
Savory Mediterranean Chicken and Rice blends aromatic herbs with tender chicken, creating a comforting one-pan meal. Perfectly seasoned grains and juicy meat invite you to savor each flavorful bite of this classic culinary comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
Grains:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) long-grain rice
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Liquids:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
- Generously coat chicken thighs with a blend of salt, black pepper, smoky paprika, and dried thyme, massaging the seasonings into the meat.
- Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or heavy oven-safe dish over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface.
- Carefully sear chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops, then transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic, releasing their sweet and pungent flavors.
- Add uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to coat each grain with the fragrant oil and onion mixture.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, gently stirring to distribute the rice evenly and create a uniform base.
- Arrange the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice, nestling them slightly into the liquid.
- Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil or a lid to trap moisture and steam.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and the chicken to cook through.
- Uncover the dish and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to crisp the chicken skin and achieve a golden finish.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and the rice to settle.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is at room temperature before cooking to promote even heating and prevent dryness.
- Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, preventing bland results.
- Opt for long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine for best texture and absorption of chicken broth and seasonings.
- Customize spice blend by adding smoked paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs like rosemary to enhance overall taste profile without overwhelming the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg