One-Pan Spicy Chicken and Rice: A Comforting Feast You Can’t Resist

Everyone has a go-to dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and for me, it’s this one-pan spicy chicken and rice. It’s embarrassingly simple yet impossibly delicious, combining tender chicken, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice all cooked together in one pan for the ultimate comfort meal. This dish is perfect for those nights when you crave something hearty and flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making over and over again because it’s just too good not to share.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cups chicken broth
• One cup of chopped tomatoes (either canned or fresh)
• 1 cup corn kernels (canned, frozen, or fresh)
• 1 cup queso fresco, crumbled
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the Chicken:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
• Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

• In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
• Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until it becomes aromatic.

Toast the Rice and Spices:

• Add the rinsed rice to the pan, stirring well to coat it in the oil and aromatics.
• Cook the rice and spices together for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice begins to turn slightly golden and the spices are fragrant.

Add Liquids and Veggies:

• Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and corn kernels.
• Mix everything well, making sure to lift any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
• Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil.

Simmer the Rice:

• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Combine and Garnish:

• Once the rice is cooked, return the chicken to the pan and gently fold it into the rice.
• Sprinkle the crumbled queso fresco over the top and cover the pan again for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt slightly.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Conclusion:

This one-pan spicy chicken and rice dish is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting experience. With tender chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, and a touch of creamy queso fresco, every bite is a burst of flavor and warmth. It’s easy to see why this dish is a beloved favorite, one you’ll be proud to serve any night of the week. So go ahead, embrace the simplicity and savor the deliciousness!