Description
This Easy Chicken Pepper Rice Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal featuring tender, boneless chicken thighs cooked with aromatic onions, garlic, colorful bell peppers, and peas, all simmered together with long-grain white rice in savory chicken broth. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and satisfying rice in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Grains
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup frozen peas
Liquids and Oils
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Herbs and Seasonings
- Black pepper, to taste (for seasoning chicken)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they soften and become fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Season the boneless chicken thighs with black pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5 to 7 minutes, ensuring they develop a nice golden crust.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in 1 cup of long-grain white rice, mixing thoroughly with the chicken and aromatics. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the rice to begin absorbing the liquid.
- Add Vegetables and Simmer: Incorporate the diced bell peppers and frozen peas into the skillet. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook gently for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Fluff the rice with a fork to combine everything evenly. Stir in freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time to avoid drying out.
- For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the onion and garlic.
- If chicken broth is unavailable, use vegetable broth or water with seasoning cubes.
- Make sure to cover the skillet properly while simmering to prevent the rice from drying out.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken skillet recipe, easy chicken and rice, one-pan meal, chicken pepper rice, quick dinner recipe
