Perfectly Fluffy Chicken and Rice (Quick + Easy Recipe!)

5 from 3 votes

Perfectly Fluffy Chicken and Rice (Quick + Easy Recipe!)

This easy Chicken and Rice recipe is simple-but-flavorful comfort food. Tender chicken thighs cook with fluffy rice in savory chicken broth for a simple weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

Prep Time5

Cook Time35

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chicken and rice

Servings:

Author: Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD

Ingredients

To Sear the Chicken

2 tbsp olive oil
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
2 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper

To Finish the Chicken and Rice

1 medium onion finely chopped
2 tsp minced garlic 2 large cloves
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp kosher salt
1 cup frozen peas and carrots or mixed vegetables optional

Instructions

Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Season chicken with 2 tsp salt and the pepper. Add to the pan in a single layer then sear on both sides, about 5 minutes. Work in 2 batches if your pan isn't big enough. Remove to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium-high. In the same skillet (without draining), add onion and garlic, cooking 2 minutes, until soft.
Stir in butter to melt, then add rice and toast for 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth and 1 tsp salt, stir, and bring to a boil. Return chicken to skillet along with any juices that accumulated on the plate. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
If using peas and carrots, add them now. Cover again and cook 5 minutes until hot.

Notes

If you use salted butter, reduce the salt by a pinch - about 1/8 tsp.

Nutrition