Chicken and Rice

4.50 from 2 votes

In the world of comfort food, few dishes are as universally beloved as chicken and rice. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner, a comforting meal to soothe the soul, or a celebratory feast with loved ones, chicken and rice holds a special place in the hearts and palates of people around the globe. In this blog post, we'll dive into the rich history, endless variations, and enduring appeal of this timeless culinary duo.

Prep Time15

Cook Time40

Total Time55

Course: Chicken Recipes, Comfort Food, Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Servings: servings

Author: Matt Price

Equipment

Mr. Make It Happen Skillet Dutch oven or preferred skillet
Measuring Cup
Baking Sheet
Mr. Make It Happen Chef Knife or preferred Knife
Cutting Board
Tongs

Ingredients

Protein

2-3 lbs Bone-in Skin On Chicken Thighs

Dry Ingredients

1.5 tsps Dried Oregano or italian seasoning
2 cups Long Grain White Rice sub cauliflower rice for keto
1 tbsp Better than Bouillon Chicken Base
salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, cayenne, smoked paprika,adobo sazon is optional but recommended
All-Purpose Seasoning to taste

Wet Ingredients

Avocado Oil
4 cups Chicken Broth/Stock
2 tbsps Butter

Produce

1 Onion
1 Red and Green Bell Pepper
3 cloves of Garlic
Fresh chopped parsley
Fresh thyme

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Cook Rice

Cook your rice according to the instructions on your box or bag and set it aside.

Step 1 – Prepare and Season the Chicken

Clean up chicken thighs by trimming excess skin or fat.
Gently separate skin from meat using your fingers and season underneath with adobo for maximum flavor absorption.
Sprinkle the outside of the skin with just salt — this ensures golden, crispy skin.

Step 2 – Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with avocado oil.
Place chicken skin-side down and sear until golden brown and crispy.
Flip and cook the other side for 3–4 minutes until nicely browned.
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3 – Cook the Veggies

In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell pepper.
Sauté over medium heat until softened and fragrant.

Step 4 – Build Flavor with Seasonings

Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for 1–2 minutes.
Add sazon, adobo, chicken bouillon, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
Mix well, coating the veggies with the spices.

Step 5 – Toast the Rice

Add rice directly to the skillet and stir to coat in the spice-veggie mixture.
Toast for 2–3 minutes to lock in flavor before adding the chicken broth.

Step 6 – Simmer with Broth

Pour in chicken broth, stir, and bring mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer.

Step 7 – Return the Chicken

Nestle seared chicken thighs back into the rice.
Cover with lid and cook for about 25 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F internal temp.

Step 8 – Serve and Enjoy

Fluff the rice, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
This dish pairs perfectly with a side salad, fried plantains, or a squeeze of lime.

Video

Notes

Tips for the Best Curry Chicken & Rice

Golden Skin Trick: Only salt the skin to keep it crispy and golden.
Don’t Rush the Sear: Take your time browning chicken; this builds rich flavor.
Customize Heat: Adjust cayenne to your spice preference.
One-Pot Win: This recipe is designed for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.

Nutrition