One-Pan Chicken and Rice

Bianca

Founder of Red Recipe

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Life gets busy, and sometimes the thought of cooking a wholesome, flavorful meal feels like a Herculean task. Between work, family, and everything in between, who has the time for complicated recipes and mountains of dishes? That’s where this One-Pan Veggie & Rice Delight swoops in to save the day. In my own kitchen, this recipe has become an absolute staple. Even on the most hectic evenings, I can whip this up with minimal effort, and the result is always a crowd-pleaser. My family, even the pickiest eaters, devours it every time. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the single pan approach. It’s packed with vibrant vegetables, fluffy rice, and infused with delicious herbs and spices, making it a complete and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and incredibly tasty. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy, nutritious, and bursting with flavor, look no further – this One-Pan Veggie & Rice Delight is about to become your new weeknight dinner hero too!

Ingredients

Basmati Rice: 2 cups, long-grain rice that cooks up fluffy and separate, perfect for absorbing flavors.
Vegetable Broth: 4 cups, low-sodium vegetable broth forms the flavorful base for cooking the rice and vegetables.
Onion: 1 medium, diced, adds a foundational savory flavor to the dish.
Bell Peppers: 2, any color, diced, contribute sweetness, color, and vitamins.
Zucchini: 2 medium, diced, brings a mild flavor and adds moisture to the dish.
Carrots: 2 medium, diced, offer sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
Frozen Peas: 1 cup, adds a pop of sweetness and vibrant green color; can be added at the end of cooking.
Frozen Corn: 1 cup, provides sweetness and a pleasant texture contrast; can be added at the end of cooking.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, infuses the dish with aromatic and pungent flavor.
Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, used for sautéing vegetables and adding richness.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon, provides a warm, slightly peppery, and aromatic flavor.
Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon, adds an earthy, slightly minty, and lemony flavor.
Turmeric Powder: 1 teaspoon, offers a warm, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor, plus vibrant color.
Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon, imparts a smoky and slightly sweet flavor depth.
Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste, enhances the flavors of all ingredients.
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, or to taste, adds a touch of spice and balances flavors.
Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped, for garnish and a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Lemon Wedges: For serving, adds a bright, citrusy zest to brighten the flavors. (Optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Dice the onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots into roughly uniform pieces. Mince the garlic cloves. Having all your vegetables prepped and ready to go will streamline the cooking process and make it even faster.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, oven-safe pan or skillet (at least 12 inches in diameter), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Next, add the dried oregano, dried thyme, turmeric powder, and smoked paprika to the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices become fragrant. This step, often called “blooming” the spices, releases their essential oils and intensifies their flavor, which will deeply infuse the entire dish.
Incorporate the Vegetables: Add the diced bell peppers and carrots to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften slightly. Adding the harder vegetables first ensures they cook through properly along with the rice.
Add Zucchini and Rice: Stir in the diced zucchini and basmati rice to the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, allowing the rice to toast slightly in the vegetable mixture. Toasting the rice briefly helps to enhance its nutty flavor and also helps prevent it from becoming too mushy during cooking.
Pour in the Broth and Season: Pour the vegetable broth into the pan, ensuring it covers all the rice and vegetables. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and make sure the rice is evenly distributed in the broth.
Bring to a Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan tightly with a lid or aluminum foil, and simmer for 20 minutes. Maintaining a gentle simmer is crucial for cooking the rice perfectly and allowing it to absorb all the flavorful broth. Do not lift the lid during this time as steam is essential for cooking the rice.
Add Frozen Vegetables (Optional): After 20 minutes of simmering, gently stir in the frozen peas and frozen corn (if using). Cover the pan again and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through, tender, and has absorbed most of the liquid. The frozen vegetables will thaw and heat through quickly in the residual heat.
Rest and Fluff: Remove the pan from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid and become perfectly fluffy. After resting, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Fluffing helps to separate the grains and release steam, preventing the rice from becoming sticky.
Garnish and Serve: Stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side, if desired. The lemon wedges add a bright, citrusy note that complements the savory vegetables and rice beautifully.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, approximate, based on 6 servings)

Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 8g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes (chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients)
Cook Time: 35 minutes (sautéing, simmering, resting)
Total Time: 55 minutes (from start to finish, ready to serve)

This One-Pan Veggie & Rice Delight is incredibly efficient in terms of preparation time. Most of the time is hands-off simmering, allowing you to focus on other tasks while a delicious and healthy meal cooks itself in just one pan!

How to Serve

This versatile One-Pan Veggie & Rice Delight can be served in numerous ways, making it perfect for various occasions and preferences. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Complete Meal: Enjoy it as a hearty and satisfying vegetarian or vegan main course. It’s packed with vegetables and grains, providing a balanced and nutritious meal on its own.
With a Protein Boost: If you desire added protein, consider serving it alongside:
- Grilled Tofu or Tempeh: Marinated and grilled tofu or tempeh cubes add a smoky and protein-rich element.
- Roasted Chickpeas: Crispy roasted chickpeas provide plant-based protein and a satisfying crunch.
- Lentils: Serve over a bed of cooked lentils for an extra boost of protein and fiber.
As a Side Dish: This dish also makes a wonderful side dish to complement:
- Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside other roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a vegetable-centric meal.
- Salads: Pair it with a fresh green salad or a Mediterranean-style salad for a lighter meal option.
- Soups: Serve as a side to a hearty soup like lentil soup or vegetable soup for a complete and comforting meal.
Toppings and Garnishes: Enhance the flavor and presentation with various toppings and garnishes:
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped cilantro, mint, or basil can add a fresh and vibrant touch.
- Lemon or Lime Wedges: Serve with extra lemon or lime wedges for squeezing over just before serving for added brightness.
- Crumbled Feta or Vegan Feta: For a salty and tangy kick, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese (or vegan feta alternative).
- Toasted Nuts or Seeds: Toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Avocado or Guacamole: Diced avocado or a dollop of guacamole provides creaminess and healthy fats.
- Yogurt or Vegan Yogurt: A dollop of plain yogurt or vegan yogurt (like coconut or soy yogurt) can add coolness and tanginess.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like a little heat, offer a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.

Additional Tips for One-Pan Veggie & Rice Perfection

Rice Rinsing (Optional but Recommended): Rinsing the basmati rice before cooking can help remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier and less sticky rice. Simply place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Other great vegetable additions include:
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy and umami flavor.
- Cauliflower or Broccoli Florets: Add texture and cruciferous vegetable goodness.
- Eggplant: Diced eggplant adds a meaty texture and absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Spinach or Kale: Stir in fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added greens.
- Sweet Potatoes or Butternut Squash: Diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash bring sweetness and heartiness, but will require a longer cooking time, so add them earlier with the carrots.
Spice Level Adjustment: Adjust the amount of smoked paprika and black pepper to suit your spice preference. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired. For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the smoked paprika.
Broth Flavor Boost: For an even richer flavor, consider using a flavorful vegetable broth made with roasted vegetables or adding a bay leaf or a sprig of fresh rosemary to the broth while simmering. You can also use mushroom broth for a deeper umami flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure your pan is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and mushy rice. If necessary, use a larger pan or cook in two batches.
Check for Doneness at 20 Minutes: While the recipe suggests 20 minutes of simmering, cooking times can vary depending on your stovetop and pan. Check the rice for doneness at the 20-minute mark. The rice should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If there is still a lot of liquid and the rice is not cooked, continue simmering for a few more minutes, checking periodically.
Make it Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, and it’s easily made vegan by ensuring your vegetable broth is plant-based and omitting any dairy-based toppings like feta cheese and yogurt, or using vegan alternatives.
Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a pan on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, or in the microwave.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of basmati rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Brown rice typically takes around 40-50 minutes to cook. You will likely need to increase the vegetable broth to about 5-6 cups and adjust the simmering time accordingly. Check the package instructions for your brown rice for specific cooking times.

Q2: Can I add protein to this dish?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is a great base for adding protein. Consider adding grilled tofu, tempeh, roasted chickpeas, lentils, or beans to make it a more substantial meal. You can also stir in cooked edamame or white beans towards the end of cooking.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. It can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. The flavors often meld together even better after a day!

Q4: What if I don’t have all the vegetables listed?
A: Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand! This recipe is very adaptable. Broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, green beans, and other vegetables would all work well. Just adjust cooking times based on the density of the vegetables – harder vegetables like carrots and potatoes should be added earlier.

Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: While you can technically freeze leftovers, the texture of the rice and some vegetables might change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making. If you do freeze it, thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.

Q6: Can I use different spices?
A: Yes, experiment with different spices to customize the flavor profile. Consider using Italian seasoning, curry powder, cumin, coriander, or your favorite spice blend. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano can also be substituted for dried, using about 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for every teaspoon of dried.

Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth. Basmati rice and the listed vegetables are all gluten-free.

Q8: How can I make this recipe even more flavorful?
A: To boost the flavor, consider these tips:
* Roast the Vegetables: Roasting the vegetables before adding them to the pan can intensify their flavor.
* Use a Richer Broth: Use homemade vegetable broth or a high-quality store-bought broth.
* Add Umami Ingredients: A splash of soy sauce, tamari, nutritional yeast, or a few sun-dried tomatoes can add depth of umami flavor.
* Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lemon: Don’t skip the fresh parsley and lemon wedges – they really brighten up the dish and add a final layer of flavor.

Enjoy creating this delicious and easy One-Pan Veggie & Rice Delight! It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a regular part of your meal rotation.