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- Chicken and Rice Components - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup basmati rice - 2 cups chicken broth - Seasoning and Aromatics - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Garnishes and Optional Add-ins - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gathering all these ingredients makes the cooking process smooth. The chicken and rice pair well, and the herbs add great flavor. The cherry tomatoes and spinach provide nice color and freshness. Don't forget the parsley! It adds a lovely touch at the end. {{ingredient_image_1}} Seasoning Tips Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Use salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Rub the spices all over the chicken. This step makes sure every bite is full of flavor. Searing the Chicken Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Sear each side for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a nice golden brown color. This adds depth to the dish. Setting the Chicken Aside Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet. Place it on a plate and set it aside. We will return to it later. Sautéing Onion and Garlic In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and translucent. This step builds a strong flavor base. Adding Basmati Rice Now, stir in the basmati rice. Cook it for 1-2 minutes. Make sure to coat the rice with the oil and the flavors from the onion and garlic. This gives the rice a lovely taste. Cooking the Rice with Chicken Broth Pour the chicken broth into the skillet. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The rice will soak up the broth and flavors. Placing Chicken on Rice After 15 minutes, take the seared chicken and place it on top of the rice. Cover the skillet again. Cook for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the chicken to finish cooking and blend its flavor into the rice. Final Mixing with Vegetables Once done, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts. This gives a fresh touch to the dish. It adds color and nutrients too! Achieving Perfectly Cooked Chicken To cook chicken just right, start with even thickness. Pound the chicken breasts to ensure they cook evenly. Season them well with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. This creates a nice crust and locks in juices. Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy. Ensuring Fluffy Basmati Rice For fluffy basmati rice, rinse the rice under cold water. This removes excess starch and prevents stickiness. After rinsing, toast the rice in the skillet for 1-2 minutes. This adds flavor and helps keep the grains separate. Use a 2:1 ratio of chicken broth to rice. When boiling, stir the rice once, then cover and reduce the heat. Let it simmer without lifting the lid. This helps the rice cook evenly and absorb all the flavors. Presentation Ideas For a rustic look, serve the skillet directly on the table. This invites sharing and conversation. If you prefer individual plates, scoop the chicken and rice into shallow bowls. Top each bowl with cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This adds color and brightness to the dish. Pairing with Side Dishes Herb Chicken Basmati Skillet pairs well with a simple green salad. A light vinaigrette complements the flavors. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. These sides add nutrition and color to your meal. For a heartier option, try crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. Pro Tips Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful. Use Fresh Herbs: For a burst of flavor, substitute dried herbs with fresh ones when possible. Add them towards the end of cooking for maximum aroma. Check Rice Doneness: Check the rice for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off. If it's not quite ready, you can add a splash more broth and cover it again. Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the skillet. Bell peppers, zucchini, or peas can enhance both flavor and nutrition. {{image_2}} Alternative Proteins If you want a twist, try using shrimp or tofu. Both cook quickly and soak up flavors well. For a heartier option, use diced beef or pork. Just adjust the cooking time for each protein. Different Vegetables Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies. Bell peppers add a crunch, while zucchini gives a fresh taste. You can also use frozen peas or broccoli for a quick fix. Just remember to add them in the last few minutes of cooking. Additional Herbs and Spices To boost flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. A dash of cumin or coriander can give a warm, earthy taste. You can even try lemon zest for a bright note. Each option can change the dish's profile. Adding Heat If you enjoy spice, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also use spicy paprika for a warm kick. Just be careful not to overwhelm the other flavors. Start with a little, taste, and add more if needed. - Store leftovers in an airtight container. - Keep the chicken and rice together for best flavor. For best taste, eat the leftovers within three days. When you reheat, add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps the rice moist. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stove. If using the stove, warm it over low heat. Stir often to heat evenly. - Let the dish cool completely before freezing. - Use a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze the Herb Chicken Basmati Skillet for up to three months. When ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. For quick thawing, place the container in a bowl of cold water. This method helps you enjoy your meal sooner! You can serve this dish with a simple green salad. A fresh cucumber salad works well too. Garlic bread is a great option to soak up any extra sauce. If you want more veggies, steamed broccoli or roasted carrots are nice sides. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and rice as directed. Let it cool, then store in the fridge. You can reheat it when you're ready to eat. The flavors will blend nicely if you make it a day before. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth. For a dairy-free option, this recipe is already dairy-free. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly. You can use brown rice, but adjust the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook. Use 2.5 cups of broth and simmer for about 35-40 minutes. This will help it cook through and stay tender. In this article, I covered how to make a delicious chicken and rice dish. We discussed the ingredients, cooking steps, tips, variations, and storage methods. You learned how to achieve juicy chicken and fluffy rice. Remember, this meal is versatile and easy to adapt. Try different proteins or spices to match your taste. With these simple steps, you can create a comforting dish that everyone will enjoy. Get cooking and savor the flavors!

Herb Chicken Basmati Skillet

A flavorful one-pan dish featuring seared chicken breasts, basmati rice, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme.
  • Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in the basmati rice and cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the rice is coated with the oil and aromatics.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes, place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice and cover again. Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, stir in the cherry tomatoes and spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts.
  • Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley before plating.

Notes

Serve the skillet directly on the table for a rustic look, or plate individual servings in shallow bowls, topping each with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Keyword basil, chicken, one-pan meal, rice, skillet