This One-pot Paprika Chicken and Rice is a weeknight dream! Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in simple spices, seared to perfection, then simmered with tomato paste and stock until the rice is fluffy and full of flavour. A no-fuss, one-pan meal that's both quick and easy. Serve it with a fresh cucumber salad or your favourite veggies.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time50 minutesmins
Total Time55 minutesmins
Ingredients
CHICKEN
1.2kgbone-in chicken thigh cutlets, skin on (5–6 chicken thigh cutlets) (see note 1)
2tbspolive oil
1tbspdried herbs (oregano, thyme or Italian herb mix)
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 (see note 3). 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 – Although stock is usually gluten-free, always check the label on the packet to be 100% sure.Note 3 – If the pan is sticky after searing the chicken, deglaze it by adding ¼ 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.
Nutrition Facts
One-pot Paprika Chicken and Rice
Amount per Serving
Calories
745
% Daily Value*
Fat
23
g
35
%
Saturated Fat
5
g
31
%
Trans Fat
0.03
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
11
g
Cholesterol
184
mg
61
%
Sodium
1124
mg
49
%
Potassium
1365
mg
39
%
Carbohydrates
87
g
29
%
Fiber
6
g
25
%
Sugar
11
g
12
%
Protein
48
g
96
%
Vitamin A
1855
IU
37
%
Vitamin C
27
mg
33
%
Calcium
152
mg
15
%
Iron
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.