Description
This One Pot Paprika Chicken with Rice is a cozy, flavor-packed meal that brings together juicy chicken, fragrant spices, and tender rice all cooked in one pan. It’s smoky, creamy, and perfect for weeknights when you want big flavor with minimal cleanup. A true comfort food classic made simple.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté onion for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute more. Stir in bell pepper and diced tomatoes, plus a teaspoon of paprika and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir rice into the pan to coat it in the flavorful mixture. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer with Chicken: Nestle chicken back into the pot, partly submerged. Cover and cook on low for 20–25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Cream and Garnish: Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk and simmer 2–3 minutes more. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley or cilantro before serving.
Notes
For best results, don’t stir the rice too often while cooking—it helps it stay fluffy. You can make it dairy-free by using coconut milk or skipping cream. Serve with a squeeze of lemon for a bright, fresh finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg