Chicken Rice Skillet: One-Pan Dinner Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that brings the whole family together, you’ve come to the right place! This Chicken Rice Skillet: One-Pan Dinner Recipe is not only simple but also packed with flavor and nutrition. The beauty of this dish lies in its ease of preparation; everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed family gathering, this dish fits perfectly into your meal rotation.

What I love about this Chicken Rice Skillet is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the spices to suit your taste or add whatever vegetables you have on hand. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in those healthy veggies while still satisfying everyone’s appetite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan convenience: Say goodbye to multiple pots and pans! Everything cooks together in one skillet, saving you time on both cooking and cleaning.
• Family-friendly flavors: The combination of chicken, rice, and vibrant veggies makes for a dish that even picky eaters will love.
• Quick prep time: With just 20 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
• Flexibility galore: Feel free to swap out veggies or adjust spices based on what you have at home – this recipe is as adaptable as it is delicious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted to find that these ingredients are simple and wholesome. They come together beautifully to create a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

For the Chicken and Rice

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For Garnish

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Variations

This Chicken Rice Skillet is incredibly flexible! Here are some fun variations to keep things interesting:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist!
• Change up the veggies: Add your favorite seasonal vegetables like zucchini or corn for extra color and nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you enjoy heat, toss in some jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper!
• Make it creamy: Stir in some coconut milk at the end for a rich and creamy texture.

How to Make Chicken Rice Skillet: One-Pan Dinner Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cutting the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and chop those vibrant bell peppers. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother and quicker.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook them until they’re beautifully browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). This step adds so much flavor! Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté until softened (around 3-5 minutes). Then add minced garlic; let it cook for about a minute until fragrant! Next up are those colorful bell peppers—add them in and cook for another 3-5 minutes while seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Stir in your undrained diced tomatoes, rice, chicken broth, oregano, basil, paprika, optional cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring this delightful mixture to a boil before reducing heat to low. Cover your skillet tightly and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes without lifting that lid; trust me—it’s worth it!

Step 5: Finish Up

Once your rice has cooked through and absorbed all that wonderful liquid, stir in the previously cooked chicken cubes. Give everything a gentle mix to combine well. Garnish with fresh cilantro right before serving and don’t forget those lime wedges on the side! Enjoy your delicious Chicken Rice Skillet right away!

This hearty meal is bound to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Rice Skillet: One-Pan Dinner Recipe

This easy one-pan dinner is not only delicious but also allows for some creativity in the kitchen. Here are a few tips to ensure your Chicken Rice Skillet turns out perfectly every time:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor of your dish significantly. They provide a brightness that dried alternatives simply can’t match, making your meal more vibrant and enjoyable.

• Don’t lift the lid during simmering: Keeping the lid on allows steam to build up, which is essential for cooking the rice evenly and absorbing all those delicious flavors. Lifting the lid releases steam and can lead to undercooked rice.

• Customize your veggies: Feel free to swap in or add your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, corn, or peas. This flexibility not only caters to personal preferences but also boosts the nutritional value of your meal.

• Let it rest before serving: After cooking, allow the skillet to sit covered for a few minutes. This resting period helps the flavors meld together and ensures a more cohesive dish.

• Experiment with spices: While this recipe uses oregano, basil, and paprika, don’t hesitate to try other spices like cumin or turmeric for a different flavor profile. This gives you the chance to make each batch unique!

How to Serve Chicken Rice Skillet: One-Pan Dinner Recipe

Serving your Chicken Rice Skillet in a way that looks inviting can make mealtime feel special. Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dish:

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: Sprinkle some chopped green onions over the top for a fresh crunch and an appealing pop of color.
• Sliced avocado: Add slices of creamy avocado on the side; they pair well with the spices and enhance the overall texture.
• Fresh lime juice: A squeeze of lime right before serving brightens up all the flavors and adds a zesty kick that’s hard to resist.

Side Dishes

• Simple green salad: A refreshing mix of greens with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the Chicken Rice Skillet beautifully, offering a crisp contrast.

• Steamed broccoli: This nutritious side is easy to prepare and adds a lovely green color next to your skillet dish while boosting fiber intake.

• Garlic bread: Toasted bread brushed with garlic-infused olive oil makes for a delightful accompaniment that’s perfect for soaking up any extra juices from your skillet.

• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a sweet contrast that balances out savory dishes beautifully, making it an excellent choice for dessert or as an appetizer.

Enjoy creating this wonderful meal that brings family together around the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Rice Skillet is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store leftovers, or even freeze portions for later. Here’s how to keep your delicious dish fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the skillet to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• For best results, leave out garnishes like cilantro and lime until ready to serve.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through (about 10-15 minutes).
• Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through, until hot.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, we’ve got you covered!

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in the Chicken Rice Skillet: One-Pan Dinner Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute brown rice; however, you will need to increase the cooking time and liquid. Follow the package instructions for best results.

How can I spice up my Chicken Rice Skillet: One-Pan Dinner Recipe?

Feel free to experiment with different spices such as cumin or coriander. Adding diced jalapeños or chili flakes can also enhance the heat!

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What vegetables can I add to my Chicken Rice Skillet?

You can include any vegetables you have on hand! Zucchini, carrots, or peas would make great additions.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Chicken Rice Skillet: One-Pan Dinner Recipe as much as I do! It’s a comforting meal that brings together tender chicken and fragrant spices in one easy pan. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends—this dish embodies warmth and flavor in every bite. Share it with family and friends, and let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking!

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