This one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice recipe is a true weeknight hero, bringing together comforting flavors in a way that minimizes cleanup. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want a homemade meal on the table without a mountain of pots and pans afterward.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the vibrant combination of juicy chicken, tender rice, and the fresh, aromatic notes of tomato and basil. It’s a complete meal cooked all in one go, making it a fantastic option for families and anyone looking for a delicious, stress-free dinner.
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
One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice recipe is a true weeknight hero, bringing together comforting flavors in a way that minimizes cleanup. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want a homemade meal on the table without a mountain of pots and pans afterward. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the vibrant combination of juicy chicken, tender rice, and the fresh, aromatic notes of tomato and basil. It’s a complete meal cooked all in one go, making it a fantastic option for families and anyone looking for a delicious, stress-free dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by heating the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cut chicken thigh pieces to the hot pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned on all sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage, just nicely seared. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Saute Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped yellow onion to the same skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring until it softens and becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
3. Combine Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these add extra flavor! Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Rice and Chicken: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice until it is evenly distributed in the liquid. Return the partially cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the rice and sauce. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged to cook properly.
5. Simmer and Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time, as it allows steam to escape, which is crucial for cooking the rice evenly. The rice should absorb all the liquid and become tender.
6. Rest and Garnish: Once the cooking time is up, remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to fully steam and become fluffy. Finally, remove the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and stir in the fresh chopped basil. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: one-pan
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: chicken, rice, tomato, basil, one-pan, weeknight, easy, dinner, comfort food, family meal
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
You’ll quickly discover why this one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice will become a regular in your meal rotation. It’s designed for efficiency, making it ideal for busy weeknights when time is a precious commodity. This recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners who are just starting out in the kitchen to seasoned pros looking for a reliable, no-fuss dinner. The flavors are universally appealing, with tender chicken, savory rice, and the bright, fresh taste of tomatoes and basil, ensuring even picky eaters will enjoy it. Serve it as a comforting family dinner, a satisfying meal prep option for lunches, or even a casual dish when entertaining close friends. It delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, which is always a win in our book.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients before you start cooking is a simple step that makes the entire process smoother and more enjoyable. This recipe uses readily available items you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. We’ll focus on fresh, quality ingredients to bring out the best flavors in this comforting dish.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
When it comes to substitutions, you have a few flexible options. If you prefer chicken breast, you can certainly use it, just be mindful that it might cook a little faster and could dry out if overcooked. Feel free to swap dried herbs for fresh if you have them on hand; just remember that fresh herbs are typically used in larger quantities (about three times as much) to achieve the same intensity of flavor as their dried counterparts. For a richer tomato flavor, you could use fire-roasted diced tomatoes. If you don’t have long-grain white rice, a medium-grain rice would also work, but avoid quick-cooking rice as it will absorb liquid too quickly and become mushy.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This recipe is designed for speed and convenience, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight meal.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 35-40 minutes
The preparation involves chopping the chicken, onion, and garlic, which are the most time-consuming steps. The cooking time is straightforward, as everything simmers together in one pan until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. This efficient timeline ensures you can have a delicious, homemade dinner on the table in under an hour.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating this one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked and flavorful meal every time.
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by heating the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cut chicken thigh pieces to the hot pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned on all sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage, just nicely seared. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped yellow onion to the same skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring until it softens and becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Combine Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these add extra flavor! Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Rice and Chicken: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice until it is evenly distributed in the liquid. Return the partially cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the rice and sauce. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged to cook properly.
- Simmer and Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time, as it allows steam to escape, which is crucial for cooking the rice evenly. The rice should absorb all the liquid and become tender.
- Rest and Garnish: Once the cooking time is up, remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to fully steam and become fluffy. Finally, remove the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and stir in the fresh chopped basil. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice is wonderfully versatile, allowing for easy adaptations to suit different tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can add a handful of frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and extra veggies. If your children are sensitive to textures, ensure the chicken pieces are cut into very small, bite-sized chunks.
To enhance the flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end for a touch of tanginess. You could also stir in some fresh spinach during the resting period; the residual heat will wilt it perfectly. For a heartier meal, serve this dish with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. It’s also fantastic for a casual buffet-style gathering; simply keep it warm in the skillet on a low setting or transfer it to a slow cooker on the “warm” setting.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Being aware of these can help you achieve perfect results every time with your one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice.
One common mistake is lifting the lid too often while the rice is simmering. This allows steam to escape, which is essential for the rice to cook properly and absorb all the liquid. Resist the urge to peek! Let it cook undisturbed for the full 18-20 minutes.
Another slip-up is not browning the chicken first. While it cooks through in the sauce, browning it initially adds a crucial layer of flavor and texture that you’ll miss if you skip this step. It also helps prevent the chicken from becoming rubbery.
Using the wrong type of rice can also lead to issues. Quick-cooking rice will absorb liquid too rapidly and become mushy, while certain specialty rices might require different liquid ratios or cooking times. Stick to long-grain white rice for the best results in this recipe.
Finally, overcrowding the pan when browning the chicken can prevent it from searing properly. If your skillet isn’t large enough to give the chicken pieces space, brown them in two batches to ensure a nice sear rather than steaming them.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
This one-pan tomato basil chicken and rice is a fantastic candidate for meal prepping and makes for delicious leftovers. To store any uneaten portions, allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, you have a few options to maintain its texture. For individual servings, the microwave works well: place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water to prevent drying, cover loosely, and heat until warmed through, stirring halfway. If reheating a larger amount, you can gently warm it in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat, again adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid high heat, as this can dry out the chicken and make the rice gummy.
While you can technically make this dish ahead of time, it’s generally best enjoyed fresh. However, if you want to get a head start, you can chop your chicken, onion, and garlic a day in advance and store them separately
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.
