Italian Chicken and Rice is a hearty, one-pot dish that combines tender chicken with perfectly seasoned rice, infused with the flavors of Italian herbs, tomatoes, and garlic. This comforting meal is easy to prepare and ideal for a family dinner or a cozy weeknight meal. The chicken is seared to golden perfection and then simmered with the rice, creating a flavorful, wholesome dish. It’s a great option for a simple yet satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and can be made in under an hour.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Season and sear the chicken: Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of dried oregano. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the rice and tomatoes: Stir in the rice, coating it in the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer with chicken: Nestle the chicken back into the skillet on top of the rice mixture. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Once the rice is fully cooked, sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your Italian Chicken and Rice as a delicious, all-in-one meal that’s full of rich, comforting flavors!
