A ridiculously flavorful and juicy chicken dish that's cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. This one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice recipe is a quick and convenient meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners. It's a dish that's packed full of robust flavors, as it combines juicy chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic basil.
This recipe mainly uses ingredients that are commonly found in your pantry. If you don't have them on hand, the items you may need to pick up from the supermarket include chicken thighs, sun dried tomato strips in oil, and fresh basil leaves. The sun dried tomato strips are usually found in the canned vegetables aisle or in the international foods section. Fresh basil leaves are usually located in the produce section. Always check the labels to ensure you're buying the correct items.
Ingredients for One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
Chicken thighs: The star of this dish. Choose bone-in, skin-on thighs for the juiciest result.
Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken and sautéing the veggies.
Garlic cloves: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
Onion: Provides a sweet flavor base.
Red bell pepper: Adds a hint of sweetness and a pop of color.
Sun dried tomato strips in oil: Gives a concentrated tomato flavor.
Long grain rice: Absorbs the broth and tomato flavors well.
Crushed tomatoes: Contributes to the rich tomato flavor base.
Chicken broth: Provides the liquid for the rice to cook and adds flavor.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat.
Dried basil: Offers an herbaceous note.
Fresh basil leaves: Adds a burst of freshness and color to the finished dish.
One reader, Deana Terrell says:
This one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the dish is so easy to make. The chicken is juicy, and the rice is perfectly cooked. It's a family favorite now! Highly recommend trying it out.
Mastering the Techniques for One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
How to preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C | 400 degrees F.
How to sear the chicken: Heat the oil in a large, deep ovenproof cast iron skillet or pan over 30 centimeters or 12 inches. Add the chicken, skin side down, then sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on medium-high heat. Turn each thigh, then sear until golden all over. Transfer the chicken onto a warm plate.
How to fry the garlic, onion, and red bell peppers: After searing the chicken, add the garlic and fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the onion and red bell peppers, and fry for about 3 minutes or until the onion is transparent.
How to simmer the rice and tomato mixture: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, rice, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and dried basil. Bring to a simmer, then allow the rice to soak up the tomato.
How to bake the chicken and rice: Place the chicken thighs, skin side up, over the rice. Bring to a boil, then rotate the chicken in the tomato sauce to coat. Cover with foil, then transfer it to the preheated oven to bake for 40 minutes, or until the rice has softened and absorbed the liquid and the chicken is cooked through.
How to broil or grill the chicken: After baking, remove the cover, then change the oven settings to broil or grill on medium heat. Broil or grill for a further 8 to 10 minutes or until the chicken is crispy and golden.
How to serve: Season with extra salt to taste, then sprinkle with freshly chopped basil. Serve and enjoy!
How To Make One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
Whip up this hassle-free chicken and rice meal for dinner tonight! It’s got flavorful tastes of fresh tomatoes, basil, and tender chicken for a hearty dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 6chicken thighs,skin on, bone in
- 1tbspolive oil
- 2garlic cloves,chopped
- 1onion,diced
- 1red bell pepper,capsicum, deseeded and chopped
- ⅓cupsun dried tomato strips in oil,chopped, optional
- 1⅓cupslong grain rice,uncooked, rinsed
- 14.5ozcrushed tomatoes,1 tin, with liquid
- 1¾cupschicken broth,or chicken stock
- 2tspsalt,adjust to your taste
- ½tsppepper,adjust to your taste
- 1tspdried basil
- ¼cupfresh basil leaves,chopped, plus extra to serve
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C | 400 degrees F.
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Heat the oil in a large, deep ovenproof cast iron skillet or pan of over 30-centimeters or 12-inches.
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Add the chicken, skin side down, then sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on medium-high heat.
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Turn each thigh, then sear until golden all over. Transfer the chicken onto a warm plate.
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Add the garlic, then fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the onion and red bell peppers, then fry for about 3 minutes or until the onion is transparent.
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Stir in the sun dried tomatoes, rice, crushed tomatoes and chicken broth.
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Season with salt, pepper and dried basil.
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Bring to a simmer, then allow the rice to soak up the tomato.
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Place the chicken thighs, skin side up, over rice.
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Bring to the boil, then rotate the chicken in the tomato sauce to coat.
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cover with foil, then transfer it to preheated oven to bake for 40 minutes, or until the rice has softened and absorbed the liquid and the chicken is cooked through.
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Stir through an extra ¼ cup of water to the rice, if needed.
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Remove the cover, then change the oven settings to broil or grill on medium heat.
-
Broil or grill for a further 8 to 10 minutes or until the chicken is crispy and golden.
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Season with extra salt to taste, then sprinkle with freshly chopped basil.
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Serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 767.74kcal
- Fat: 47.83g
- Saturated Fat: 10.28g
- Trans Fat: 0.21g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 23.23g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 10.66g
- Carbohydrates: 44.53g
- Fiber: 2.75g
- Sugar: 5.90g
- Protein: 38.27g
- Cholesterol: 191.24mg
- Sodium: 999.98mg
- Calcium: 64.26mg
- Potassium: 800.89mg
- Iron: 3.00mg
- Vitamin A: 86.51µg
- Vitamin C: 33.80mg
Expert Advice: Technique Tip for Perfecting This One-Pan Meal
When searing the chicken thighs, make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. This will ensure a nice, golden crust. Also, don't overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear. If necessary, sear the chicken in batches.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This One-Pan Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Multitask: While the chicken is searing, chop the vegetables to save time.
Use pre-made ingredients: Consider using pre-chopped garlic and pre-cooked chicken to cut down on prep time.
One-pot cleanup: Opt for a disposable oven-safe pan or line your pan with foil for easy cleanup.
Follow the recipe: Read through the recipe thoroughly before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Efficient cooking: Utilize the oven time to prepare a side salad or set the table for a complete meal.
Substitute Ingredients For One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe
chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken breasts: Chicken breasts can be used as a leaner alternative to chicken thighs, with a similar texture and flavor.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
garlic cloves - Substitute with 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a similar flavor.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a subtle depth to the dish.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers can be used as a substitute for red bell peppers, offering a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining a vibrant color.
sun dried tomato strips in oil - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes can provide a fresh and juicy alternative to sun-dried tomato strips, adding a burst of flavor to the dish.
long grain rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a nutritious substitute for rice, offering a nutty flavor and a slightly different texture.
crushed tomatoes - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for crushed tomatoes, providing a smoother texture and concentrated tomato flavor.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative to chicken broth, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
dried basil - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano can be used as a substitute for dried basil, offering a robust and earthy flavor to the dish.
fresh basil leaves - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can be used as a substitute for basil leaves, providing a vibrant and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Presentation Tips for a Delightful One-Pan Meal
Elevate the plating: When presenting this tomato basil chicken and rice, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Arrange the chicken thighs and rice in an artful manner, using the vibrant colors of the dish to create an eye-catching presentation.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Garnish the dish with a generous sprinkling of freshly chopped basil to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. The aromatic basil will not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a delightful aroma to the dish.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Opt for sophisticated serving platters and dinnerware to showcase the dish. Choose pieces that complement the colors of the food and elevate the overall dining experience.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring that the chicken and rice are arranged with precision and care. This attention to detail will demonstrate a high level of culinary expertise.
Incorporate a touch of luxury: Consider adding a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of edible flower petals to add a touch of luxury and sophistication to the presentation.
Emphasize balance and harmony: Aim for a balanced composition on the plate, ensuring that the chicken and rice are harmoniously arranged to create a visually pleasing and appetizing presentation.
Consider the overall dining experience: Think about the ambiance and setting in which the dish will be served. Tailor the presentation to complement the overall dining experience, whether it's a formal setting or a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food by surrounding it with dry heat.
- Cast iron skillet: A heavy-duty cooking pan made of cast iron, known for its excellent heat retention and distribution.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used to measure precise amounts of ingredients for cooking and baking.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for mixing, spreading, and turning food.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms that are joined with a pivot, used for picking up and manipulating food.
- Aluminum foil: A thin, pliable sheet of aluminum used for covering food during cooking to retain moisture and prevent burning.
- Ovenproof foil: A type of aluminum foil that is safe to use in the oven, commonly used for wrapping and covering food during baking.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
- Measuring jug: A container with a spout used for measuring and pouring liquids.
- Grater: A kitchen tool used to grate food into fine pieces, commonly used for cheese, vegetables, and citrus zest.
- Can opener: A tool used for opening cans and tins.
- Garlic press: A kitchen tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations used for draining liquids from food.
- Baking dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking and roasting food.
- Foil: A thin, pliable sheet of metal, typically aluminum, used for wrapping and covering food during cooking.
Storing and Freezing Leftover One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
- To store leftovers, allow the one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help moisten the rice and prevent it from drying out. Cover the dish and reheat in the microwave or in a covered skillet on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers. Transfer the cooled one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat from frozen, thaw the one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, transfer the contents to a covered baking dish and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- If the rice seems dry after reheating, add a small amount of chicken broth or water to help restore moisture and prevent the rice from becoming too dry or clumpy.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to refresh the flavors and enhance the presentation of the reheated dish.
How to Reheat Leftover Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dish is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to crisp up the chicken skin.
Alternatively, you can reheat the dish on the stovetop. Transfer the leftovers to a large skillet or pot and add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out. Heat the dish over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through. If the rice seems too dry, add more liquid as needed.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use your microwave. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the dish is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the chicken may become tough and the rice may become mushy.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftovers in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the dish is heated through and the chicken skin is crispy.
For a flavorful twist, add a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice to the reheated dish. This will brighten up the flavors and give the leftovers a fresh taste.
Interesting Trivia About One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
The tomato basil chicken and rice recipe is a delicious and convenient one-pan meal that combines the flavors of juicy chicken, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic basil. This dish is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal option. Additionally, the combination of chicken and rice provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates and lean protein, making it a filling and nutritious choice for a family dinner. With the convenience of being a one-pan dish, it also minimizes the cleanup, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly Cooking: Is This One-Pan Recipe Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice recipe is quite high. The ingredients, such as chicken thighs, rice, and canned tomatoes, are affordable and readily available. With an approximate cost of $15, this dish can serve a household of 4, making it a budget-friendly option. The flavorful combination of tomato and basil enhances the overall appeal, earning this recipe a solid 8/10 rating for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Is This Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe Healthy?
This one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-rich ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, and onions, which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The use of chicken thighs as a protein source is also beneficial, as they are more flavorful and tender compared to chicken breasts. However, the recipe also has some drawbacks. The use of skin-on chicken thighs and olive oil adds extra fat and calories to the dish. Additionally, the amount of salt used (2 tsp) is quite high, which could be a concern for those watching their sodium intake.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts to reduce the overall fat content
- Reduce the amount of salt used, or replace it with low-sodium alternatives like herbs and spices
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish, such as adding more bell peppers or incorporating other nutrient-dense options like zucchini or spinach
- Opt for brown rice instead of white rice to increase the fiber content and provide more complex carbohydrates
- Use a smaller amount of olive oil, or replace it with a healthier alternative like avocado oil
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Flavorful One-Pan Dish
This one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The seared chicken thighs add a rich and savory element, while the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil bring a burst of Mediterranean freshness. The dish is well-balanced and satisfying, with the rice absorbing the delicious tomato and chicken broth. The final touch of broiling the chicken creates a crispy and golden finish, adding a delightful contrast to the tender meat. Overall, this recipe is a winner, offering a convenient and delicious meal that is sure to impress.
Enhance Your One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
Perfect Appetizer and Dessert Combinations for One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
Why trust this One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of tomato and basil that infuses the dish with rich, aromatic flavors. The use of chicken thighs ensures a juicy and succulent texture, while the inclusion of sun dried tomato strips adds a depth of umami taste. The method of searing the chicken before baking locks in the flavors and juices, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. The addition of fresh basil leaves at the end provides a burst of freshness. Trust in the harmonious blend of ingredients and the cooking techniques to deliver a satisfying and delicious meal.
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