Description
A budget-friendly, one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken thighs, fluffy long-grain rice, and sweet caramelized onions. This forgiving recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced into half-moons
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
- 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter (salted)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Slice onions and mince garlic. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, then stir and cook for 8-10 minutes until soft, golden-brown, and jammy.
- Push onions to the sides. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear chicken in the pan for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove chicken to a plate.
- Add rinsed rice to the pan with the onion bits and chicken fat. Stir for 1-2 minutes until grains are coated and slightly translucent.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan. Add garlic, thyme, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well.
- Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice. Ensure rice is submerged in liquid.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Turn off heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Remove lid, fluff rice with a fork, and serve hot.
Notes
Rinse rice until water runs clear to prevent gumminess. Do not lift the lid during simmering to ensure even cooking. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch more salt. For dairy-free, swap butter for olive or coconut oil. For low-carb, substitute cauliflower rice and adjust cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: one pan chicken rice, budget meal, easy dinner, chicken thighs, caramelized onions, weeknight dinner, meal prep