Description
This Smothered Chicken and Rice Bowl is your answer to a quick, flavorful, and satisfying one-pan meal. Juicy seasoned chicken thighs, fluffy basmati rice, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic spices come together in a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekly meal prep. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, healthy homemade meals, or quick lunch recipes, this bowl checks every box. It’s easy to customize, stores well, and brings bold flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
1. Season the chicken thighs with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining oil if needed. Sauté chopped onion until soft, then add garlic and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
4. Stir in the rinsed basmati rice and toast for 1 minute with the veggies.
5. Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and gently stir to combine. Simmer on low for another 5 minutes.
7. Top with chopped cilantro or parsley and lemon juice if using.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For fluffier rice, rinse it well under cold water until the water runs clear.
Let the dish rest covered for 5 minutes off heat before serving to finish cooking the rice perfectly.
You can customize the spice level easily with chili flakes or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: quick dinner, easy dinner, chicken and rice, one pan meal, healthy meal prep, weeknight dinner