Description
A comforting one-pot meal featuring golden, skin-on chicken with long-grain rice simmered in tomato and broth, brightened by peas and bell pepper.
Ingredients
- 4–6 chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks), skin-on
- 2 cups long-grain rice (rinsed optional)
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 large bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup tomato sauce or 1 cup diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads or 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken pieces very dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, black pepper, paprika and cumin.
- Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, place the chicken skin-side down and sear until deeply golden and crisp, about 5–7 minutes. Flip briefly (1–2 minutes) to color the other side, then remove the chicken to a plate.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper and garlic to the same pot. Sauté over medium heat for 4–5 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in the rice, coating each grain with the oils and aromatics. Sprinkle in the paprika, cumin and saffron or turmeric and toast for 1 minute.
- Mix in the tomato sauce or diced tomatoes. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any stuck bits.
- Nestle the seared chicken pieces back on top of the rice, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover tightly and simmer undisturbed for 25–30 minutes.
- With 5 minutes left, stir in the peas and re-cover.
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 8–10 minutes. Fluff the rice lightly with a fork, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve.
Notes
Boneless, skinless thighs can be used; reduce simmer time by 5–10 minutes. Brown rice requires longer simmering (40–45 minutes) and extra liquid.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American