As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like a comforting, wholesome meal to bring the family together.
This one-pan chicken and rice skillet with apples is the epitome of fall comfort food, designed for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious without a mountain of dishes. It’s a healthy, flavorful dish that comes together quickly, making it a perfect addition to your seasonal dinner rotation.
Imagine tender chicken, sweet-tart apples, and fluffy rice all cooked in a savory apple cider sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight everyone at the table. This recipe is not just easy; it’s a celebration of autumn’s bounty, transforming simple ingredients into a truly satisfying meal.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
- Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
One-Pan Chicken and Rice Skillet with Apples
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
This one-pan chicken and rice skillet with apples is a comforting, wholesome meal perfect for busy weeknights. It features tender chicken, sweet-tart apples, and fluffy rice cooked in a savory apple cider sauce, making it a healthy and flavorful fall comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. 1. Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point, just nicely seared. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. 2. Saute Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. 3. Add Rice and Liquids: Stir the rinsed rice into the skillet, coating it with the pan drippings and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider. Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. 4. Combine and Simmer: Once boiling, return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the rice mixture. Stir in the diced apples. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes.
5. 5. Check for Doneness: After 18-20 minutes, check the rice. It should be tender and all the liquid should be absorbed. If the rice is still a bit firm or there’s excess liquid, re-cover and cook for another 5 minutes.
6. 6. Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to fully steam and become fluffy.
7. 7. Serve Warm: Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: skillet
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: chicken, rice, apples, skillet, one-pan, fall, comfort food, weeknight, healthy, cider
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This chicken and rice skillet is a true weeknight hero for so many reasons. First and foremost, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means minimal cleanup – a huge win for any busy household. It’s designed for families looking for a healthy, balanced meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The combination of lean chicken, whole grains from the rice, and the natural sweetness and fiber from the apples makes it a nutritious choice. This recipe shines brightest on a cool fall evening when you’re seeking warmth and coziness without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also incredibly versatile, appealing to both adults and children with its comforting flavors and textures. The touch of apple cider adds a unique depth that elevates the dish beyond your average chicken and rice, making it feel special yet entirely approachable.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for this dish is straightforward, focusing on fresh, accessible items you likely already have or can easily find. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, proving that delicious meals don’t require an extensive shopping list.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For simple substitutions, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, though thighs tend to stay moister. If you don’t have apple cider, you can use an additional cup of chicken broth and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy sweetness, though the flavor won’t be quite as rich. Any firm, sweet-tart apple variety works well here; avoid overly soft apples that might turn to mush. Brown rice can be used, but it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This recipe is designed for speed and efficiency, making it perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 40-45 minutes
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating this flavorful skillet dinner is a breeze when you follow these clear steps. Pay attention to the cues for each stage to ensure a perfect result.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point, just nicely seared. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir the rinsed rice into the skillet, coating it with the pan drippings and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider. Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Combine and Simmer: Once boiling, return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the rice mixture. Stir in the diced apples. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: After 18-20 minutes, check the rice. It should be tender and all the liquid should be absorbed. If the rice is still a bit firm or there’s excess liquid, re-cover and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to fully steam and become fluffy.
- Serve Warm: Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This chicken and rice skillet is wonderfully adaptable, making it a fantastic base for various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can use milder apples like Gala and ensure the chicken pieces are cut into smaller, bite-sized chunks. Some kids might prefer the apples cooked until very soft, almost melting into the rice. You can also omit the fresh parsley garnish if your little ones are herb-averse.
To add more vegetables, consider stirring in a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking. For a heartier meal, a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans can be toasted and sprinkled over the top just before serving, adding a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. If you’re serving this for a casual gathering or buffet, it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream can also be offered on the side for those who enjoy a creamy counterpoint. For a touch of extra richness, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over individual servings can be a delightful addition.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Being aware of these can help you achieve a perfect skillet dinner every time.
One frequent mistake is not rinsing the rice. Rinsing removes excess starch, which prevents the rice from becoming gummy and helps it cook up fluffy. Always rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Another common issue is lifting the lid too often while the rice is simmering. Every time you lift the lid, steam escapes, which is crucial for cooking the rice evenly. Resist the urge to peek; let it cook undisturbed for the recommended time.
Overcooking the chicken initially can lead to dry chicken in the final dish. You’re just looking for a good sear and browning in the first step, not to cook it through entirely. It will finish cooking with the rice.
Using the wrong type of apple can also impact the texture. Soft, mealy apples will disintegrate. Opt for firm, crisp varieties that hold their shape well, like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith.
Finally, not letting the skillet rest after cooking can result in slightly undercooked or wet rice. The resting period allows the remaining steam to finish cooking the grains and absorb any lingering moisture, leading to perfectly fluffy rice.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
This chicken and rice skillet is excellent for meal prep and leftovers, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture when stored correctly.
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature (within two hours of cooking). Transfer the skillet contents to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
For reheating, individual portions can be warmed in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water (about 1-2 tablespoons) to prevent the rice from drying out, then microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. For larger portions, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop in a covered skillet over low heat, again adding a little liquid to help rehydrate the rice.
While this dish is best fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time. You can chop the onion and garlic a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also cut the chicken into pieces ahead of time. However, it’s best to dice the apples just before adding them to the skillet to prevent browning. Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish, as the rice can become mushy upon thawing and reheating.
Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
Here are some common questions that often come up when preparing this delicious chicken and rice skillet:
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. You’ll likely need an additional 1/2 to 1 cup of broth and an extra 15-20 minutes of simmering.
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
