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Easy Budget Chicken & Rice Skillet Dinner Recipe

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This one-pan chicken and rice skillet dinner is a quick, budget-friendly meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and let brown undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, until they release easily from the pan.
  3. Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat with oil and juices. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and add paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir, scraping the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
  7. After 15 minutes, remove the lid and gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  8. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
  9. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use chicken thighs for juiciness. Rinse rice to remove excess starch. If rice is too wet after cooking, let sit uncovered for 2-3 minutes. If too dry, add a splash of broth and let sit covered for 2 minutes. For brown rice, increase cooking time by 15-20 minutes and add 1/2 cup more broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and rice, one-pan dinner, budget-friendly, easy weeknight meal, skillet dinner

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/easy-budget-chicken-and-rice-skillet-dinner-recipe/