Onepan Tomatobasil Chicken Rice

Recipe Introduction: One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken & Rice Bliss!

Fancy a proper tasty dinner that’s easy as pie? This One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice recipe is where it’s at.

Honestly, after a long day, who wants to faff around with loads of pots and pans?

Why This Recipe Rocks

This dish ain’t just a recipe; it’s a Mediterranean hug on a plate. It comes from simple, comforting flavors. Imagine juicy Tomato Basil Chicken thighs nestled in fluffy Chicken Rice , all cooked together in one pan.

Minimal effort, maximum flavor!

A Quick Look

This One-pan chicken and rice recipe is proper easy, even a beginner can nail it. Prep takes about 15 minutes, and cooking's around 45.

That means this Weeknight chicken dinner is on the table in an hour, feeding 4-6 hungry souls. Think of it as your go-to Easy chicken dinner .

The Good Stuff

Aside from being dead simple, this Tomato Basil Chicken is packed with goodness. Chicken provides a good whack of protein.

Tomatoes are full of vitamins. Basil adds a touch of freshness that makes it a proper healthy dinner. Perfect for a cosy night in or when you're having mates over.

What makes this Mediterranean chicken recipe special? It's that classic combo of Tomato Basil with the convenience of a one-pan wonder.

Talk about One-pan meal ideas !

Ready to get stuck in?

Ingredients & Equipment: The Heart of This One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Magic

Okay, lovelies, let's get down to the nitty gritty. Having the right ingredients and gear can make all the difference in turning this easy chicken dinner into a total success.

No one wants a bland chicken rice situation, right? Trust me, I've been there.

Main Ingredients for the Best Tomato Basil Chicken

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Good quality olive oil adds richness.
• Chicken Thighs: 4-6 boneless, skinless (around 1.5 lbs / 680g ). Thighs stay juicy.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Sea salt is my go-to.
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) . Freshly ground is always best.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup / 150g ).
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 2 teaspoons / 6g ).
• Long Grain Rice: 1 cup , rinsed ( 185g ). Rinsing gets rid of extra starch.
• Chicken Broth: 2 cups (475 ml) . Low sodium is a good shout.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g) .
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (2g) . Essential for that Mediterranean vibe!
• Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (1g) (optional). For a bit of a kick.
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (50g) (optional). Adds cheesy goodness.
• Fresh Basil: 1 cup roughly chopped ( 20g ). Fresh is key for tomato basil flavor!

Seasoning Notes: Unleashing the Basil Chicken Aroma

For this one-pan chicken and rice recipe , the oregano is a must, and the red pepper flakes add a subtle heat.

Think flavor enhancers and aromatics are too much? They make all the difference!. If you're not feeling the heat, skip the flakes.

Want even more oomph? A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens it up. If you're out of oregano, try a mix of thyme and marjoram it’s not quite the same, but it works in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

• Large Oven Safe Skillet or Dutch Oven: 12 inch recommended. If it's oven safe, even better.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons. Accurate measurements = happy rice.
• Cutting Board. Obvious, but can't forget it.
• Knife. Sharp one, please. Safety first!
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula. For stirring and scraping those yummy bits.

Honestly, you don't need fancy gadgets for this weeknight chicken dinner . A regular large skillet works, but an oven safe one makes it truly a one-pan meal idea .

If you don't have a skillet, a large pot will do the trick. Just make sure it has a lid.

I remember one time I tried making something similar in a tiny pan. Let's just say it didn't end well! Stick to the basics, and you’ll nail this Mediterranean chicken recipe .

Alright then, let's get this One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice going! This isn't just cooking; it's like creating a culinary hug.

Quick, easy, and tastes like you spent hours slaving away. Honestly, it's a total winner for those crazy weeknights. You know?

Let’s Do Some Prep: Your Mise en Place Moment

First, chop that onion and mince the garlic. Get your chicken thighs seasoned, and rinse the rice like you mean it.

Why rinse? Trust me, fluffier rice is worth the extra few seconds. Have your chicken broth and crushed tomatoes at the ready.

It's all about having your ducks in a row, innit?

Cooking This One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice: step-by-step Bliss

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat your olive oil in that big skillet. Season those chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them 'til they're golden brown. 3- 4 minutes per side should do it.
2. Onions and Garlic Unite: Toss in the chopped onion and cook it until it's softened, about 5 minutes . Add the minced garlic and give it another minute until it smells amazing.
3. Rice and Goodness: Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy). Bring it to a boil.
4. Chicken Gets Cosy: Reduce the heat, nestle the chicken thighs into the rice mixture. Cover it up tight. Simmer for 25- 30 minutes until the rice is cooked. Chicken should be at 165° F ( 74° C) .
5. Basil Finale: Take it off the heat, stir in some fresh basil and Parmesan (if using). Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
6. Serve Garnish with remaining basil and parmesan

Pro Tips For Awesome Tomato Basil Chicken

• Rinse the rice! Seriously, it makes a difference. You will get fluffier rice.
• Avoid these common mistakes like overcrowding the pan. Make sure you can still see some rice at the bottom, or the rice won't cook properly.
• Want to prep ahead? Sear the chicken and chop the veg the night before. It cuts down on the cooking time when you're ready to go.

This easy chicken dinner is delicious! The flavors of tomato basil chicken create magic in your mouth. The basil chicken aroma alone is intoxicating.

It's more than just chicken rice; it's comfort food at its best. This Mediterranean chicken recipe is perfect for One-Pan Meal Ideas for your Weeknight chicken dinner .

You'll be making this Chicken and Rice dish all the time. Give This One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice a try, you won't regret it!

Recipe Notes

Okay, so you've got the basics for This One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice down. Now, let’s chat about a few extra bits and bobs to really nail it.

Honestly, it's the little things that elevate a dish from "meh" to "amazing"! I’ve made Tomato Basil Chicken countless times, so trust me, I've learned a thing or two along the way.

Serving Suggestions That Wow

First impressions count, right? For plating, think rustic charm. A big spoonful of the Tomato Basil and Chicken And Rice in a shallow bowl, garnished with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil? Yes, please!

For sides, a simple green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Or, if you're feeling fancy, some crusty garlic bread to mop up all that delicious sauce.

For drinks, a light and fruity white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the Mediterranean chicken recipe beautifully. A chilled glass of white will make your Basil Chicken taste amazing!

Storage Like a Pro

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigerate the One-pan chicken and rice recipe in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

Freezing isn't ideal, as the rice can get a bit mushy, but if you must, portion it out and freeze for up to 2 months.

Make sure it's totally cool first! Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly.

Remixing This Easy Chicken Dinner

Want to mix things up? For a dairy-free version, skip the Parmesan. To make it low-carb, swap the rice for cauliflower rice - you'll need to adjust the cooking time, though.

For a seasonal twist, try using sun-dried tomatoes in the winter for an intense flavour. In the summer, fresh, ripe tomatoes from the garden make all the difference to the Tomato Basil Chicken .

Nutrition Nuggets

This Weeknight chicken dinner is pretty balanced as it is, with protein from the chicken, carbs from the rice, and vitamins from the tomatoes and basil.

It's a good source of protein and energy.

Did you know, basil is packed with antioxidants? That makes this Chicken Rice dish not only tasty but good for you too.

Right then, that’s your lot! I hope you're feeling inspired to whip up this One-pan meal ideas of a Chicken and Rice dish. Now go get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for This One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice?

You certainly can! Just keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to dry out faster than thighs. Reduce the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Like Mary Berry always says, "Don't overbake!"

My rice is still crunchy after the recommended cooking time. What did I do wrong?

Ah, a classic cooking conundrum! This usually means there wasn't enough liquid. Add a splash (about ¼ cup) more chicken broth to the pan, cover it tightly, and continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes.

Remember, every hob is different, so it might just need a little extra TLC, like a good cup of tea fixes most things!

How can I add more vegetables to this One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice without making it a soggy mess?

Good on you for wanting to sneak in some extra veggies! Stir in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This will ensure they're tender but not mushy. Think of it as giving your meal a bit of a "Five a Day" boost, like a healthy upgrade for your taste buds!

Can I prepare This One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice ahead of time and reheat it?

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prepping. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out, and reheat until piping hot Gordon Ramsay would approve!

Is This One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice suitable for freezing?

It is indeed! Freezing is a great way to preserve leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure you label it clearly nobody wants a mystery meal from the freezer, do they?

Can I make This One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice dairy-free/vegan?

Yes, you can! Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant based alternative, and ensure that the broth you use is plant based. To make it vegan, replace the chicken with butter beans or large white beans. Remember to adjust cooking times accordingly, as beans will need less time than chicken to become tender.

This way, everyone can enjoy a bit of culinary sunshine!