The BEST Chicken and Rice Recipe!
Fluffy rice, juicy chicken, crispy skin, it’s all going on. We’ll get to the rice bit in just a sec, but first things first let’s talk chicken.
What cut of chicken to use?
For this recipe you’ll want to use bone in skin on chicken thighs. Thighs will cook at the same rate the rice does so work perfectly here. They’re also fattier (so more flavoursome) and often come out more tender than breast does. The bone in will ensure the chicken cooks nice and evenly through the centre, whilst the skin. Well, who doesn’t love crispy skin?!?!
What chicken seasoning to use?
The chicken is one of the main events here, so it’s important to let it shine. As such I coat the chicken in paprika, onion & garlic powder, parsley & basil and s&p before placing on top of the rice. I’ve played around with a few seasoning combos in the past and can tell you this combo is the winner. Process shots: add seasoning to pot (photo 1), combine (photo 2), place chicken skin side up (photo 3), rub 2/3 seasoning on top (photo 4), flip (photo 5), rub in the rest of the seasoning (photo 6).
Baked Chicken and Rice
Alrighty, chicken seasoned, let’s talk baked chicken and rice. When I first started experimenting with this recipe I was somewhat apprehensive of how the rice would turn out. But I think you’ll be surprised just how light and fluffy it turns out! The rice also comes out beautifully flavoursome. It soaks up all those gorgeous flavours from the chicken, alongside a few other goodies thrown in the dish too.
Tomato and Basil Chicken
The tomato basil aspect of this dish comes from a few different places to give it a really well rounded flavour, and really push the delicious combo that is tomato and basil.
Tomato Paste – This is infused into the chicken stock and water which the rice is cooked in. Sun Dried Tomatoes – These add a nice bit of texture to the rice and infuse a punchy tomato flavour. Dried Basil – This is used to coat the chicken and is also infused in the liquid as the rice cooks. Fresh Basil – This is stirred through right at the end to give a final fresh blast of basil.
Both of the tomato and basil ingredients serve different functions and actually add different flavours, so it’s important to use all of them.
What rice to use?
White rice is best here. Brown rice will still be too hard by the time the chicken has cooked. I find long grain comes out the fluffiest, but Basmati also works nicely! Process shots: add onion to baking dish (photo 1), bake until soft (photo 2), pour in chicken stock and water (photo 3), add tomato paste, sun dried tomatoes, dried basil and salt (photo 4), whisk (photo 5), add uncooked rice (photo 6), stir to combine (photo 7), add chicken on top and bake (photo 8).
Baked Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
You’ll find that once the chicken has cooked nearly all of the liquid will have reduced, which is good. Sometimes though the rice directly underneath the chicken is still slightly undercooked. As such, it’s important to allow everything to rest for 10mins so the rice can finish cooking. After that, take off the chicken and fluff up the rice with some fresh basil.
Serving Tomato Basil Chicken
This will serve 6 small portions with a side salad. I highly recommend using a leafy green (rocket/arugula or watercress add a good punch of flavour) with parmesan and balsamic glaze. The parmesan and balsamic glaze compliment both the tomato and basil PERFECTLY. If you wanted to add another dish some Roasted Broccolini would also go nicely. If you’re looking for another one pot rice dinner check out my Meatballs and Rice! For more similar recipes check out these beauties:
One Pan Chicken Dinners
Roasted Chicken Legs Tray Bake Spanish Style Chicken Tray Bake Spanish Style Chicken Orzo Garlic Lemon Herb Spatchcock Chicken
Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for this tomato basil chicken and rice shall we?!
How to make Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice (Full Recipe & Video)
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