One Pan Chicken Dinner

The easiest way to get a wholesome dinner on the table is our One Pan Chicken Dinner. This meal is comfort food for us and all the flavors We grew up with. The ingredients are simple, but the flavors are big. Using chicken thighs is a fool-proof way to get juicy and tender chicken that’s never dry. Simmer it all together and just put the finished dish right on the table for everyone to dig in. This couldn’t be simpler or more!

What stands out

This One Pan Chicken Dinner recipe will be your weekday go-to when you need a satisfying, healthy and flavorful meal to feed the family fast. It all cooks up in one pan in just about 30 minutes, and you can even serve it in the same dish so clean up is a total breeze. The rice is so fluffy and absorbs the juices from the chicken so the flavor is rich and deep. Using chicken thighs means the meat is tender and juicy, plus it’s a budget-friendly choice too!

How to Prepare

Start by adding the oil to a skillet with high sides and let it heat up on the stove.

Then add the chicken thighs skin side down and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Once one side is golden, flip it over and season the other side too. Make sure the heat is on medium so that it doesn’t burn in the pan.

Meanwhile, using a sharp knife finely dice the garlic and onion.

Once the chicken has color on both sides, remove it from the pan, and then discard most of the oil that is rendered from the skin.

Next, add the onions and sauté them for about a minute.

Now, add the garlic, and stir.

Next, add a splash of white wine and let it cook off fully and then add the rice and stir. Place the chicken back on top and pour in the veggie broth.

Now, add a splash of cooking cream or coconut milk from a can, give it a mix, and then let it all come to a boil.

When it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and cook for 25 minutes.

Finally, garnish with parsley and enjoy!

Kitchen tip

If you prefer to use skinless, boneless chicken breast in this One Pan Chicken Dinner, sear the pieces for a few minutes first and then cook them with the rice for only 20 minutes. Chicken breast cooks a lot faster than thighs so keep that in mind. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165F (74C).

Swaps

1. We used bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs but you can use any cut of chicken you enjoy.
2. We used white wine to deglaze the pan, but you can use as much or as little as you like . You could also substitute the wine for unsalted veggie or chicken broth instead.
3. Make this One Pan Chicken Dinner dairy-free by using cashew or coconut cream or (your favorite non-dairy cream) instead of heavy cream. Some followers have said that plant-based cream works great, such as Silk and Country Crock. You can also omit that step altogether and still have a recipe.

Serve it with

• A nice, fresh salad such as our Fennel Salad or Simple Green Salad.
• Warm, crusty slice of bread like our quick Irish Soda Bread.
• Steamed cauliflower or broccoli drizzled with some olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Questions

CAn we use another piece of chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken legs or breast in this One Pan Chicken Dinner. If you use bone-in chicken breast don’t adjust the cooking time. If you use skinless, boneless breast, sear the pieces for a few minutes on each side and then cook it covered for 20 minutes. Chicken breast cooks a lot faster than thighs so keep that in mind. Use a mark meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165F (74C).

What spices can we use instead of Italian seasoning?

Instead of an Italian flavor profile, you could try Middle Eastern flavors and use cumin, paprika, sumac, turmeric and coriander.

What can i use instead of wine?

You could certainly substitute the wine for unsalted veggie or chicken broth instead.

Can we make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Leave out the chicken step and proceed the same way. Mushrooms would be in this dish and would add a lovely deep and satisfying flavor.

Can we make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this One Pan Chicken Dinner dairy-free by using cashew cream or (your favorite non-dairy cream) instead of heavy cream. You can also omit that step altogether and still have a recipe.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

• 8 chicken thighs, bone in, skin on
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil, or any oil
• ½ teaspoon salt, to taste
• ½ teaspoon pepper, to taste
• ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, finely diced
• ⅓ cup white wine, or broth
• 1.5 cups jasmine rice, or any long grain variety
• 2.5 cups unsalted vegetable broth
• ¼ cup cooking cream
• parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Nakiri Knife
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups + Spoons
• Meat Thermometer
• Redmond Real Salt
• Liquid Measuring Cup
• Enameled Pan

Method

1. In a skillet with high sides, add the oil, let it heat up on the stove. Add the chicken thighs skin side down, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, once one side is golden, flip it over and season the other side too. Make sure the heat is on medium so that it doesn't burn in the pan.
3. Once the chicken has color on both sides, remove it from the pan, and discard most of the oil that rendered from the skin. Add the onions and sauté them for about a minute. Add the garlic, and stir.
4. Add a splash of white wine and let it cook off fully. Add the rice and stir. Place the chicken back on top and pour in the veggie broth.
5. Add a splash of cooking cream or coconut milk from a can, give it a mix and let it come to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook it covered for 25 minutes. Garnish with parsley and enjoy.

Kitchen notes

• Chicken cuts: we used bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs but you can use any cut of chicken you enjoy.
• Wine substitute: We used white wine to deglaze the pan, but you can use as much or as little as you like. You could also substitute the wine for unsalted veggie or chicken broth instead.
• Dairy-free alternatives: Make this One Pan Chicken Dinner dairy-free by using cashew or coconut cream or (your favorite non-dairy cream) instead of heavy cream. Some followers have said that plant-based cream works great, such as Silk and Country Crock. You can also omit that step altogether and still have a delicious recipe.