Description
A rustic, hearty, and impressive one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken thighs, spiced fluffy rice, and sweet, jammy caramelized onions. It’s easier than takeout and perfect for weeknights or dinner parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice (Basmati or Jasmine)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Slice onions thinly, mince garlic, and pat chicken thighs dry. Mix cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Caramelize onions: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with sugar. Continue cooking for 15-20 minutes until deep golden brown and soft. Add vinegar, cook for 1 minute, then remove onions and set aside.
- Sear chicken: In the same skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside with the onions.
- Toast rice: Reduce heat to medium. Add rinsed rice to the skillet. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until translucent and nutty.
- Simmer rice: Pour in chicken broth and stir in the spice mixture. Scrape up browned bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Rest and assemble: Remove skillet from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork. Return chicken and caramelized onions to the pan and gently mix onions into the top layer of rice.
- Serve: Serve immediately topped with fresh cilantro, spiced yogurt, and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
Rinse rice until water runs clear to prevent clumping. Pat chicken dry for better searing. Caramelize onions slowly over medium-low heat to avoid burning. Do not lift the lid while rice simmers. This recipe is naturally gluten-free if using certified GF broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: one-pan dinner, chicken and rice, caramelized onions, easy dinner party recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, gluten-free option