The One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice dish is a delightful symphony of flavors and colors, a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Bursting with aromatic herbs and juicy chicken, it’s not only a feast for the taste buds but also a breeze to prepare, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: The entire meal comes together in just one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
- Hearty and Healthy: Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, this dish nourishes while satiating.
- Rich Tomato Flavor: Crushed tomatoes combined with sun-dried tomatoes offer a depth of flavor that can’t be beat.
- Versatile Dinner Option: Easily adjustable to suit different tastes and dietary needs, from more spice to gluten-free bases.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet vibrant ingredients that meld together beautifully to create a comforting dish. Each component plays a role, whether it’s adding a burst of color, a punch of flavor, or a satisfying texture.
- Chicken thighs, skin-on, bone-in: These stay juicy and add incredible flavor when seared.
- Olive oil: Used for searing, it introduces a smooth, rich base.
- Garlic and onion: The aromatic heroes that lay the foundation for robust seasoning.
- Red bell pepper: Offers sweetness and a pop of color.
- Sun-dried tomato strips: They are optional but enrich the dish with a concentrated tomato taste.
- Long grain rice: Perfect for absorbing all those luscious juices; Arborio can be substituted for a creamier texture.
- Crushed tomatoes: Provide a saucy consistency that envelops the rice and chicken.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with deep, savory flavors.
- Dried and fresh basil: Add a pleasant herbal freshness that brightens the dish up.
Variations
Feel free to adjust this dish to fit your lifestyle and tastes. Whether it’s a dietary restriction or you’re just feeling adventurous, there’s plenty of room to get creative with One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for heat lovers.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for chickpeas and use vegetable broth to deepen the flavor profile without meat.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle mozzarella or parmesan over the top before the final broil for a baked cheesy delight.
- Herb Swap: Fresh mint or parsley can replace basil for an equally aromatic finish.
How to Make One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by searing the chicken thighs in a large, deep ovenproof skillet with some olive oil. The skin should be crispy and golden, locking in all those juices for tender, flavorful meat. This browning phase is essential as it imparts a rich, savory base.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
After removing the chicken, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add chopped onions and red peppers, cooking until the onions turn translucent. Add sun-dried tomatoes, rice, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth into the same pan, stirring the mixture well to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Return the chicken to the pan, nestling them into the rice. Cover with foil, then bake to allow the rice to absorb all those sumptuous flavors. The final step is a quick broil to crisp up the chicken and caramelize the top for a visually stunning finish.
Pro Tips for Making One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
- Crisping the Skin: Searing the chicken skin-side down draws out the fat, creating a crispy exterior that’s full of flavor.
- Rice to Liquid Ratio: Adjust the chicken broth as necessary; too much can make the rice mushy while too little doesn’t allow it to cook well.
- Broil for Browning: The broiling step at the end is crucial for getting that golden, crispy top without overcooking the rice.
- Basil Brightness: Add fresh basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and flavor.
How to Serve One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
Garnishes
For garnish, a sprinkle of extra fresh basil adds a touch of green vibrancy and an aromatic lift. Consider a grating of parmesan cheese on top or a light drizzle of olive oil for a bit of richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots to maintain a healthy, balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in the pan it was cooked in – it’s both rustic and inviting. Alternatively, you could plate each portion in individual shallow bowls, allowing the vibrant tomatoes and greens to pop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat slowly to maintain the integrity of the chicken and rice.
Freezing
This meal can be frozen for up to two months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slowly in the oven or on the stove over medium-low heat to ensure even warming. If needed, add a splash of chicken broth to help rehydrate the rice.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes! Arborio rice is an excellent alternative for a more risotto-like texture. Just be mindful of the necessary liquid ratios.
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What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
No worries! You can substitute with a bit more crushed tomatoes, or even add some diced fresh tomatoes for a different texture.
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Is it okay to use skinless chicken?
Absolutely! Skinless chicken will reduce the fat content, though you might miss the crispy texture from the skin-on version.
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How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe is already dairy-free, as long as you skip optional cheese garnishes. You can enjoy it guilt-free with all its natural flavors!
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of rich flavors and simple cooking methods that bring comfort and joy. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a night of culinary delight, it’s a must-try for any food lover. Enjoy cooking this at home and share the love, one flavorful spoonful at a time!
Print
One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Description
One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender chicken thighs, aromatic rice, and fresh herbs cooked together in a single skillet. This oven-baked recipe offers crispy-skinned chicken, infused tomato flavors, and a fragrant basil finish, making it an easy and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
6 chicken thighs skin on, bone in
1 onion diced
1 red bell pepper deseeded and chopped
2 cloves garlic chopped
1/3 cup sun dried tomato strips in oil chopped, optional but adds flavor
Grains and Liquids
1 1/3 cup long grain rice uncooked, rinsed
14.5 ounce crushed tomatoes with liquid
1 3/4 cups chicken broth or chicken stock
Seasonings and Herbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
1 pinch fresh basil extra chopped, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and ensure it is fully heated before cooking.
- Heat the oil and sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, deep ovenproof skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until browned. Turn and sear the other sides until golden all over. Transfer the chicken onto a warm plate and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced onion and chopped red bell pepper; cook for about 3 minutes until the onion is transparent. Stir in chopped sun dried tomatoes if using.
- Add rice and liquids: Stir in rinsed rice, crushed tomatoes with liquid, and chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the rice to absorb the tomato flavors.
- Arrange chicken and bake: Place the seared chicken thighs, skin side up, over the rice mixture. Bring to a boil, then cover the skillet tightly with foil. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the rice has softened, absorbed the liquid, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish with broiling: Remove foil and set oven to broil or grill mode on medium heat. Broil for an additional 8-10 minutes until the chicken skin is crispy and golden. Check to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Season with additional salt if desired, sprinkle with extra chopped fresh basil, and serve hot.
Notes
- Ensure your skillet or pan is ovenproof to avoid any accidents when transferring to the oven.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- If rice is not fully cooked after baking, stir in an extra 1/4 cup water, cover, and bake for a few more minutes.
- This dish can be served with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the dish
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
