Description
A comforting and flavorful Smothered Chicken and Rice Bowl featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain basmati rice, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Optional: Chili flakes, lemon juice
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté chopped onion until soft and golden.
- Add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, and bring to a simmer.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet.
- Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in fresh cilantro or parsley.
- Serve the Smothered Chicken and Rice Bowl immediately. Add optional chili flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust spice level by adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Quinoa or cauliflower rice can be used as gluten-free alternatives.
- Other vegetables like zucchini, peas, corn, or mushrooms can be added.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: Approximately 550 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 5g
- Sodium: Approximately 600mg
- Fat: Approximately 20g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45g
- Fiber: Approximately 4g
- Protein: Approximately 35g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 150mg