Cozy Skillet BEST EVER Chicken & Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Hug in a Pan 🍗🍚✨
Alright, let’s talk about chicken and rice—aka the comfort food GOAT. This dish has been holding down dinner tables for centuries, and for good reason. It’s like the culinary version of a cozy weighted blanket, except instead of easing your anxiety, it fills your belly with absolute joy.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better… BOOM, we hit you with a one-skillet version. That’s right. No unnecessary dishes. No complicated steps. Just pure, effortless deliciousness. You’re welcome.
A Quick Food History Flex
Did you know that versions of chicken and rice exist all over the world? From Spanish arroz con pollo to Indian biryani to Cajun jambalaya—this duo is that iconic. And today, we’re giving it a simple, modern, weeknight-friendly twist.
Why This Recipe Slaps:
✅ One skillet, one love. Less mess, more eating. ✅ Juicy chicken every time. The secret? Cooking it with the rice, so everything is perfectly timed. ✅ Herbs + lemon = chef’s kiss. These little flavor bombs take it from “good” to “literally dreaming about it tomorrow.”
The Lineup (aka Ingredients)
- 2 tbsp avocado oil (or whatever oil speaks to your soul)
- 3 boneless chicken breasts (skinless or not, you do you)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (for that smoky depth)
- Kosher salt & black pepper (don’t be shy, season with confidence)
- 4 medium carrots, sliced (because vitamins)
- 3 stalks celery, sliced (for that subtle crunch)
- 2 large shallots, finely diced (fancy onion vibes)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (aka flavor gold)
- 1 tsp freeze-dried thyme (you can use dried but freeze-dried is my fave)
- 1 tsp oregano, chopped (same deal as above)
- 2 tsp lemon zest + 1 tbsp lemon juice (bright and zesty, just like you)
- 1 cup long-grain rice (fluffy, dreamy, perfection)
- 2 cups chicken stock (pick one you know has a lot of flavor!)
How to Make This Magic Happen
1️⃣ Sear that chicken. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss chicken with paprika, 1 tsp salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Sear for 4-5 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Veggie time. Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil. Toss in carrots, celery, and shallots. Cook until softened (but not mushy!) for about 4-5 minutes. Stir in garlic, thyme, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a little more salt and pepper. Let everything get cozy for about 1 minute.
3️⃣ Rice + Stock = Match Made in Heaven. Stir in the rice, letting it toast slightly for about 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken stock, season with 1/2 tsp salt, and give it a good stir.
4️⃣ Bring back the chicken. Nestle those golden chicken breasts back into the pan. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through.
5️⃣ Crispy finish? Yes, please. An optional step, that is for extra yumminess! Preheat your broiler, uncover the skillet, and broil for 2-3 minutes until the chicken gets that gorgeous crispy finish.
6️⃣ Sprinkle with chives. Because garnish makes everything look and taste fancier.
Final Thoughts
This dish? Elite. It’s giving weeknight comfort, meal-prep goals, and zero extra dishes. Plus, that herby, lemony kick? Absolute perfection.
So yeah, classic chicken and rice might just be the most beloved comfort dinner of all time. And this version? The one-skillet flex just put it in first place.
Now go forth, cook, and enjoy. And maybe—just maybe—hide the leftovers before someone else gets to them first. 😉
Cozy Skillet BEST EVER Chicken & Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 3 Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 4 medium carrots about 12 ounces, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 large shallots about 4 ounces, finely diced
- 3 stalks celery about 9 ounces, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon freeze-dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken stock
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Sear that chicken. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss chicken with paprika, 1 tsp salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Sear for 4-5 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
- 2️⃣ Veggie time. Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil. Toss in carrots, celery, and shallots. Cook until softened (but not mushy!) for about 4-5 minutes. Stir in garlic, thyme, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a little more salt and pepper. Let everything get cozy for about 1 minute.
- 3️⃣ Rice + Stock = Match Made in Heaven. Stir in the rice, letting it toast slightly for about 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken stock, season with 1/2 tsp salt, and give it a good stir.
- 4️⃣ Bring back the chicken. Nestle those golden chicken breasts back into the pan. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through.
