Ingredients
CHICKEN
- 1.2 kg (2 lb 10 oz) bone-in chicken thigh cutlets, skin on (5–6 chicken thigh cutlets)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried herbs (oregano, thyme or Italian herb mix)
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (concentrated puree)
- 1½ cups (300 g) white rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 3 cups (750 ml) chicken stock
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) or flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, roughly chopped, to serve (optional)
CUCUMBER SALAD
- 3 Lebanese (Persian) cucumbers, finely sliced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- 3 tbsp sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) (all oven types).
- In a large bowl, coat the chicken with olive oil, dried herbs, sweet paprika, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper and salt. Use your hands to ensure even coverage.
- In an oven-safe, heavy-based frying pan, sear the chicken on medium heat for 3–5 minutes until golden and crispy. Set aside.
- In the same pan, add the onion and garlic (see note 2 if the pan is sticky). Cook for 1–2 minutes until softened.
- Add the tomato paste and rice, stirring to combine. Pour in the chicken stock.
- Return the chicken to the pan, ensuring the skin is facing up. Cover the pan tightly with a lid or foil. Bake for 35 minutes in the oven.
- Remove the cover and bake for another 10 minutes. Allow the dish to rest, covered, for 10 minutes before serving, and top with fresh herbs if using.
- To make the cucumber salad, combine all ingredients and serve with the chicken and rice.
Notes
Note 1 – This recipe is not suited for chicken breast (it will dry out). A great substitute is boneless chicken thighs, which will cook faster. Add them to the rice 20 minutes into baking.
Note 2 – If the pan is sticky after searing the chicken, deglaze it by adding 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water over high heat, scraping up the crispy bits. Continue with the recipe as directed.
MAKE AHEAD
Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave. Not suitable to freeze.
LEFTOVERS
Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave. Not suitable to freeze.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Chicken, One-Pot Meal, Chicken Paprika, One-Pot Chicken
- Method: deep pan
- Cuisine: Mediterranean