If you’re the kind of home chef who loves great food but loathes the aftermath of cleaning up, this recipe is for you. It’s a full meal built in one sturdy pan — no mountains of dishes, no stress. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich garlic cream sauce, it’s comfort food at its most efficient. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anyone who walks past the sink with tactical blindness.
INGREDEINTS:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup long grain rice (basmati or jasmine works well)
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth or stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but magical)
INSTURCTIONS:
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear in the Pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan (keep those flavor bits!), lower the heat slightly and add the diced onion. Cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and dried herbs. Cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant — don’t let the garlic brown.
- Add the Rice: Pour in the rice and stir to coat every grain in the garlic-onion mixture. Let it toast slightly for 1–2 minutes.
- Simmer It All Together: Add the broth and heavy cream to the pan. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finishing Touch: Remove the lid, sprinkle in some grated Parmesan (if using), and give everything a gentle stir. Let it rest for a few minutes to absorb all the saucy goodness.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped parsley or a pinch of chili flakes for color. Serve directly from the pan — fewer dishes, remember?
Why This Recipe Is a Game-Changer:
- 🥄 Minimal cleanup: Just one pan to wash (or stare at guiltily until tomorrow).
- 🍗 Balanced meal: Protein, starch, and sauce all in one harmonious dish.
- ⏱️ Time saver: It simmers while you scroll, multitask, or recover from life.
- 👨👩👦 Family-friendly: Creamy enough for kids, flavorful enough for adults.