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Chicken Thighs and Rice

Chicken Thighs and Rice: A Complete Guide to Making the Perfect Comfort Meal


  • Author: ranime
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A comforting one-pot meal featuring juicy, flavorful chicken thighs baked over perfectly seasoned rice with aromatic vegetables – simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric (optional for color)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme on both sides.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden. Flip and cook 2 minutes more. Remove and set aside.
  4. In same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic for 3 minutes until softened.
  5. Add rice and stir to coat with oil and toast slightly (about 2 minutes).
  6. Pour in chicken broth and stir in turmeric if using. Bring to a simmer.
  7. Nestle chicken thighs skin-side up into the rice mixture.
  8. Cover tightly with lid or foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  9. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes to crisp chicken skin.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For crispier skin, broil for last 2-3 minutes (watch carefully).
  • Substitute bone-in chicken breasts (adjust cooking time to 40-45 minutes).
  • Add frozen peas or carrots with the rice for extra vegetables.
  • Make it creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream after baking.
  • Leftovers keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking/One-Pot
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 thigh + 3/4 cup rice
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg