Chicken Thighs and Rice is a classic comfort food that's easy to prepare and delivers tender, juicy chicken paired with fluffy, flavorful rice. This homemade recipe uses simple pantry staples for a quick, weeknight meal everyone will love. I love how the chicken crisps up perfectly while the rice soaks up all the delicious juices. For another tasty chicken dinner idea, try my Easy Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Breasts.
Why You'll Love Chicken Thighs and Rice Easy Homemade Comfort Meal
Discover the best Chicken Thighs and Rice recipe that's easy, homemade, and perfect for quick family dinners. Tender chicken with flavorful rice in one pan!
- One-pan meal combines protein and carbs for easy cleanup.
- Juicy chicken thighs with crispy skins and perfectly cooked rice.
- Budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have.
- Comforting, hearty dish great for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients for Chicken Thighs and Rice Easy Homemade Comfort Meal
Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on for the best flavor and crispy texture. You can use boneless if preferred but adjust cook time.Rice: Long-grain white rice works best to stay fluffy. Substitute with jasmine or basmati if desired.
- Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on for the best flavor and crispy texture. You can use boneless if preferred but adjust cook time.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice works best to stay fluffy. Substitute with jasmine or basmati if desired.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Chicken Thighs and Rice Easy Homemade Comfort Meal are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Chicken Thighs and Rice Easy Homemade Comfort Meal
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prep and season chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry. Rub both sides with olive oil, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken skin-side down and cook 5–6 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and cook 3 minutes more. Remove and set aside.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic; sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Expert Tips for Chicken Thighs and Rice Easy Homemade Comfort Meal
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning for crispier skin.
- Use chicken broth instead of water for rice for richer flavor.
- Don’t lift the lid while cooking rice to ensure even steaming.
Chicken Thighs and Rice Easy Homemade Comfort Meal
Discover the best Chicken Thighs and Rice recipe that's easy, homemade, and perfect for quick family dinners. Tender chicken with flavorful rice in one pan!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Fresh lemon wedges
Instructions
How to Make Chicken Thighs and Rice
- Prep and season chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry. Rub both sides with olive oil, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken skin-side down and cook 5–6 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and cook 3 minutes more. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic; sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add rice and broth: Stir in rice, coating with oil and onion mixture. Pour in chicken broth and season with extra salt if needed.
- Cook chicken and rice: Place chicken thighs skin-side up on top of rice. Cover and simmer on low for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken cooked through (165°F internal).
- Add peas and rest: Stir peas into rice, cover, and let rest 5 minutes off heat for vibrant color and tender peas.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges as desired. Enjoy warm.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Chicken Thighs and Rice Easy Homemade Comfort Meal FAQs
Yes, you can prepare and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
You can use vegetable broth, water with bouillon cubes, or water with added seasonings if needed.
Leftovers should be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
Overcooking chicken thighs causes dryness. Make sure to check internal temperature and avoid cooking longer than needed.
You Might Also Like
- Easy Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Breasts
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake Recipe
- One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice
Before You Go
If you try this Chicken Thighs and Rice Easy Homemade Comfort Meal, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.