The One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe is a true weeknight hero that brings together juicy, golden chicken thighs, fragrant basil, and perfectly cooked rice all in one easy pan. Imagine the comforting aroma of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes mingling with fresh basil as the rice soaks up a rich tomato and chicken broth blend while the chicken crisps up to perfection on top. This dish is an absolute soul pleaser that combines vibrant flavors and effortless cooking, making it a favorite for family dinners or for impressing guests without the fuss of multiple pots and pans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients for this dish is key to unlocking its full flavor potential. Each item is simple, but together they build layers of taste, texture, and freshness that make this recipe shine.
- Chicken thighs, skin on, bone in: The skin crisps beautifully and the bone adds deep flavor to the dish.
- Olive oil: Perfect for searing and adding a silky richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every bite.
- Dried basil: Brings an earthy herbal note that complements the fresh basil.
- Garlic, chopped: Infuses a warm, aromatic punch.
- Onion, diced: Adds sweetness and body to the sauce.
- Red bell pepper, chopped: Provides a fresh, mild bite and beautiful color.
- Sun dried tomato strips in oil (optional): Intensifies tomato flavor with a hint of tang and chewiness.
- Long grain rice, rinsed: Cooks tender while absorbing the sauce flavors perfectly (arborio rice works for a creamier texture).
- Crushed tomatoes with liquid: Builds a luscious, tangy base for the rice.
- Chicken broth or stock: Adds richness and depth to the cooking liquid.
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped: Brightens the dish with vibrant herbal freshness.
- Extra basil for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh aroma when serving.
How to Make One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Sear the Chicken
Start by heating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Then, heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Searing the chicken thighs skin side down first is crucial because it renders fat and creates that irresistible golden crust that you’ll love biting into.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Until Golden
After 3 to 4 minutes, turn the chicken to sear the other side until it’s golden all over. This step locks in the juices and sets you up for a perfectly cooked chicken in the oven. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a warm plate to rest while you prepare the flavorful base.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pan, add the chopped garlic and sauté it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds—this is when your kitchen starts smelling like heaven. Toss in the diced onion and chopped red bell pepper, cooking until the onion becomes transparent and soft. This combo adds sweetness and a slight crunch that balances the dish.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Rice, and Seasonings
Now stir in the sun-dried tomatoes (if you’re using them) for that chewy burst of flavor. Next, add the rinsed rice, crushed tomatoes with all their liquid, and chicken broth. Season everything with salt, pepper, and dried basil, then bring to a simmer. This is your moment to let the rice soak up all those beautiful, savory juices.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken and Rice Together
Place your seared chicken thighs, skin side up, gently over the rice mixture. Give the pan a quick swirl to coat the chicken in the sauce. Cover the pan tightly with foil, then pop it into your preheated oven to bake for about 40 minutes. By the end of this, the rice will be tender, and the chicken cooked to juicy perfection.
Step 6: Broil for Crispy Skin
Remove the foil and switch your oven to broil on medium heat. Broil the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes to give the skin that perfect crispy, golden finish that everyone craves. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, but that crispy skin is a game changer.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Once out of the oven, taste the rice and add more salt if needed. Scatter chopped fresh basil on top for a fresh, aromatic note that brings everything together. Serve your One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe hot and watch it become an instant favorite at your table.
How to Serve One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the star garnish, brightening every bite with herbal freshness. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese also complement this dish beautifully if you want to take it up a notch.
Side Dishes
This dish stands confidently on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans to add texture and color. A crusty piece of bread can be great, too, for mopping up every last bit of that luscious tomato sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken thighs right on top of the rice in individual shallow bowls for a rustic, homey feel. For a dinner party, you can plate the rice neatly, lay the chicken on the side, and sprinkle basil and pine nuts on top for a gourmet presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely, then store any remaining chicken and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, but for best texture, freeze the rice and chicken separately if possible. Use freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within 2 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to bring back moisture. To refresh the chicken skin’s crispiness, give it a quick crisp in a hot skillet or under the broiler for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can, but chicken thighs stay moister and have more flavor due to their higher fat content. If you use breasts, keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
Is it necessary to rinse the rice?
Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and helps achieve a fluffier texture that won’t be gummy, which is particularly important in this baked dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! As long as your chicken broth is gluten-free (most are, but always check labels), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can omit them or use roasted red peppers to add a different but still delicious flavor note.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and comforting, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat in your One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for everyday dinners yet special enough for sharing with friends. Give it a try and enjoy the beauty of cooking something incredibly flavorful with minimal effort and maximum love.
Print
One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring seared chicken thighs baked with aromatic rice, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Prepared in a single skillet, it combines juicy, crispy-skinned chicken with tender, tomato-infused rice for an effortless yet impressive meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 chicken thighs, skin on, bone in
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1–2 teaspoons salt, adjust to your taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper, adjust to your taste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
Vegetables & Rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
- 1/3 cup sun dried tomato strips in oil, chopped (optional)
- 1 1/3 cups long grain rice, uncooked, rinsed (or arborio rice for risotto-like texture)
- 14.5 ounces crushed tomatoes with liquid
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth or chicken stock
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Extra chopped basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare skillet: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Heat the olive oil in a large, deep ovenproof skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Sear chicken thighs: Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Turn and sear the other side until golden all over. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a warm plate to rest.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped garlic to the skillet and fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add the diced onion and chopped red bell pepper, cooking for approximately 3 minutes until the onion becomes transparent and soft.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and rice: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then add the rinsed rice, crushed tomatoes with liquid, and chicken broth. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and dried basil. Bring everything to a gentle simmer to allow the rice to soak up the flavors.
- Combine and bake: Place the chicken thighs skin side up over the rice mixture. Bring to a boil briefly and rotate the chicken in the sauce to coat evenly. Cover the skillet with foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Broil for crispy skin: Remove the foil and set your oven to broil at medium heat. Broil the chicken for 8-10 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown to add texture and flavor.
- Finish and serve: Season with additional salt if needed, garnish generously with freshly chopped basil leaves, and serve hot straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute long grain rice with arborio rice for a creamier, risotto-like texture.
- If sun-dried tomatoes in oil are used, reduce additional oil in the recipe to avoid greasiness.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- To save time, you can prepare all ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and warmed up gently on the stovetop or microwave.
