What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade chicken and rice recipe is a comforting meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
- Simple Ingredients – You’ll only need pantry staples like chicken, rice, and spices.
- Quick Prep – It comes together in just a few steps, leaving you more time to enjoy dinner.
- Versatile – Customize it with your favorite veggies, herbs, or spices for a personal touch.
Recipe
This homemade chicken and rice recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. It combines tender chicken with aromatic rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- If using peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes:
- For extra flavor, use bone-in chicken.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Equipment:
- Large skillet with lid
- Wooden spoon
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 4-6
Nutrition
This homemade chicken and rice recipe is a balanced meal packed with essential nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 | 25g | 30g | 12g | 2g | 450mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade chicken and rice with a fresh side salad—it adds a nice crunch and keeps the meal light. If I’m craving something heartier, I’ll whip up a quick bread, like garlic knots or cornbread, to soak up all the delicious flavors. Both options are simple but make the dish feel complete.
Side Salad Ideas
A simple side salad can turn your chicken and rice into a well-rounded meal, and I’ve got a few favorites that pair perfectly. A crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta adds a tangy bite. For something lighter, try mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette—it’s invigorating and balances the dish. If you love crunch, a shredded cabbage slaw with carrots and a creamy dressing works wonders. Or go classic with a Caesar salad; the garlicky dressing complements the savory chicken. Each option brings texture and flavor, making your meal feel complete without overpowering the main dish.
Quick Bread Options
While chicken and rice can stand on their own, a slice of warm, freshly baked quick bread takes the meal to a whole new level, adding cozy comfort that’s hard to resist. I love whipping up a loaf of honey butter cornbread—it’s sweet, crumbly, and perfect for soaking up every bit of flavor. Another favorite is garlic herb focaccia; it’s soft, aromatic, and pairs wonderfully with savory dishes. If you’re short on time, a simple banana or zucchini bread works, too. Trust me, the smell alone will have everyone gathered around the table before you even call them!
