One-Pan Yellow Chicken and Rice

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One-Pan Yellow Chicken and Rice

A Flavorful, Easy, and Comforting Dinner Made in Just One Pan

If you’re craving a hearty, home-cooked meal that’s both simple and satisfying, this One-Pan Yellow Chicken and Rice is the perfect choice. Juicy, well-seasoned chicken thighs are simmered with fragrant rice, carrots, and onions in a golden, flavorful broth. The result is a wholesome meal that’s rich, aromatic, and comforting — perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

This easy dish brings together tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s versatile, affordable, and great for meal prep. Every bite bursts with flavor from the smoky paprika, cumin, oregano, and garlic — simple ingredients that turn into something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One Pan Only: No extra pots to wash — everything cooks together for maximum flavor.
  • Perfectly Seasoned Chicken: The spice blend gives the chicken a beautiful golden color and deep savory taste.
  • Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the mild yet rich flavors.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Keeps beautifully for a few days and reheats easily.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

For the Rice:

  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 ¾ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Yellow Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix together the oregano, paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the chicken thighs to coat them evenly.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wide pan over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs in a single layer and sear for about 4 minutes per side, or until nicely golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Stir in the chopped onion and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Toast the Rice

Add the rice to the skillet and stir for 2–3 minutes. Toasting the rice before adding the liquid enhances its flavor and prevents it from getting mushy.

Step 5: Add the Broth and Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth and season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir to combine, then return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer on top of the rice.

Step 6: Simmer and Steam

Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After that, turn off the heat and keep the lid on for an additional 10 minutes — this allows the rice to finish steaming and become perfectly fluffy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your cozy one-pan dinner!

Helpful Tips

  • Use Long-Grain Rice: Short-grain or brown rice will need different liquid ratios and cooking times.
  • Season as You Go: Because this dish is simple, good seasoning makes a big difference. Taste and adjust before serving.
  • Don’t Rush the Resting Step: Allowing the rice to sit off the heat ensures it cooks evenly and stays fluffy.
  • Customize Your Spices: You can add turmeric for a more vibrant yellow color or swap paprika for curry powder for a different twist.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This dish is ideal for meal prep. Store the cooked chicken and rice in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.

You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Serving Ideas

Serve your Yellow Chicken and Rice with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a cool cucumber yogurt sauce on the side. It also pairs beautifully with sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 480 | Protein: 39g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 3g

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Yellow Chicken and Rice is the definition of comfort food — warm, hearty, and full of flavor. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can create a meal your family will ask for again and again. It’s quick, wholesome, and so satisfying — perfect for any night of the week.

 

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