Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both easy and explodes with flavor? Look no further than this Crazy Delicious Chicken Fillets with Rice recipe! This one-pan wonder combines juicy chicken fillets, fluffy rice, and a vibrant sauce that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped (adjust for spice preference)
Method:
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Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
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Build the Flavor: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the chopped bell pepper and onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
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Rice Time! Add the rinsed rice to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine and bring back to a simmer. Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the pan, making sure they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
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Spice it Up (Optional): If you like things spicy, add the chopped jalapeno pepper now.
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Let it Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Fresh Finish (Optional): Once cooked, remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
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Serve and Devour! Plate the chicken and rice, spooning the flavorful sauce over the top. This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or your favorite roasted vegetables.
Crazy Delicious Tips:
- Want to add more veggies? Feel free to toss in frozen peas, corn, or chopped broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Don’t have fresh cilantro? No problem! Chopped parsley or a sprinkle of dried oregano will work just fine.
- Leftovers are a dream! This dish reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
This recipe is sure to become a weeknight staple. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. So ditch the takeout menus and whip up this Crazy Delicious Chicken Fillets with Rice! Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.
