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Fluffy Rice with Chicken Thighs

5 from 2 votes
This Fluffy Rice with Chicken Thighs is an easy one-pan dinner with juicy chicken, tender onion and carrot, warm spices, and perfectly fluffy rice. It’s simple, comforting, and full of rich homemade flavor.
skillet chicken and rice with golden chicken thighs and fluffy rice
Servings: 4 servings
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients 

For the rice soak

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the chicken

  • 5 to 6 chicken thighs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Paprika, to taste
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil

For cooking

  • 2 garlic cloves, halved
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, sliced
  • 2 whole garlic cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

  • Soak the rinsed rice with water and salt for 30 minutes, then drain well.
  • Season the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  • Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet and briefly cook the halved garlic cloves.
  • Add the chicken thighs and cook until lightly golden. Transfer to a plate and discard the garlic.
  • Cook the onion and carrot in the same skillet for about 8 minutes.
  • Add the whole garlic cloves, salt, black pepper, turmeric, paprika, coriander, and oregano. Stir well.
  • Pour in the boiling water, return the chicken, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken, spread the drained rice evenly in the skillet, then return the chicken on top and add the bay leaves.
  • Cover and cook for 20 to 23 minutes until the rice is fluffy and tender.
  • Let rest for a few minutes, fluff the rice, and serve.

Notes

  • Soaking the rice helps it cook up fluffy and separate.
  • Do not stir the rice after adding it to the skillet.
  • Keep the lid on while the rice cooks so the steam can do its job.
  • Add a splash of water when reheating leftovers if the rice seems dry.
    • skillet chicken and rice with golden chicken thighs and fluffy rice
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