Name: Best Chicken and Rice (One Pan) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 5 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 lemons, juiced and zested (approx 1/4 cup juice); 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 cups baby spinach, lightly packed and roughly chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 cup long grain white rice; 2 cups chicken stock; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; chopped parsley for garnish; lemon zest or slices for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 5 reviews

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If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug, look no further than the Best Chicken and Rice (One Pan) Recipe. This dish is a brilliant blend of juicy, golden chicken thighs and fluffy, flavorful rice infused with bright Mediterranean notes. What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity—everything cooks in a single pan, meaning you get a home-cooked feast that’s both effortless and impressive. The harmonious combination of lemony marinade, tender spinach, and fragrant herbs transforms humble ingredients into a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface, several pieces of raw chicken are placed close together. The chicken pieces have a pale pink color covered by a layer of greenish-yellow seasoning mixed with small herbs and oil, giving a slightly uneven texture. Next to the bowl, on the white marbled surface, there is a smaller clear glass bowl with a spoon resting inside it, containing some leftover oil and seasoning. A white cloth is partially visible in the top left corner of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. These simple staples transform ordinary chicken and rice into an extraordinary dish that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in: These provide juicy, tender meat with wonderfully crispy skin when cooked properly.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a beautiful golden crust on the chicken.
Fresh lemons (zest and juice): Infuse the chicken with bright, zesty notes that brighten the whole dish.
Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang and depth to the marinade.
Garlic cloves: Provide aromatic warmth that permeates the entire meal.
Dried oregano and thyme: These herbs add Mediterranean earthiness and subtle complexity.
Yellow onion: Offers sweetness and texture that complements the rice perfectly.
Baby spinach: Introduces a tender, green freshness that balances the richness of the chicken.
Long grain white rice: The perfect fluffy base that absorbs all the delicious juices and flavors.
Chicken stock: Enriches the rice with savory depth, making every bite satisfyingly moist.
Salt and black pepper: Enhance all flavors while maintaining a pleasant balance.
Chopped parsley and lemon slices (for garnish): Add a final touch of color and freshness when serving.

How to Make Best Chicken and Rice (One Pan) Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together lemon juice and zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil to create a vibrant marinade. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly and let them soak in these bright flavors in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight. This step is key to imparting a succulent, zesty character to every juicy bite.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until the skin crisps up to a beautiful golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip and brown the other side for another 5 minutes. Browning the chicken develops intense flavor and gives the dish its irresistible texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Rice

Once the chicken is set aside, use tongs to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the pan and remove some excess fat with paper towels, leaving enough to sauté. Toss in the diced onions and cook until translucent. Add spinach, extra garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and the reserved marinade; stir just until the spinach wilts. This flavorful vegetable base will deeply enrich the rice.

Step 4: Combine Rice and Stock, Arrange Chicken

Stir the rice into the skillet, coating each grain with the delightful oil and aromatics. Pour the chicken stock in, stir everything together, and bring to a simmer. Nestle the browned chicken thighs on top of the rice before covering the skillet with a lid and transferring it all to the preheated oven.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Bake covered for 35 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the stock and the chicken to finish cooking gently. Then remove the lid and return the skillet to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, letting the top layer of rice dry slightly and the chicken skin crisp up again. Finally, let the dish rest so the flavors settle beautifully before fluffing the rice and serving.

How to Serve Best Chicken and Rice (One Pan) Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white pan filled with cooked brown rice mixed with herbs and spices, creating a textured, slightly fluffy yellowish-brown layer at the bottom. On top, there are three pieces of golden-brown roasted chicken with crispy skin, partly resting on the rice. To the right side of the pan, two grilled lemon slices with a slight char are placed on the rice. A silver spoon is partially buried in the rice on the right side of the image, with a woman's hand holding it. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fresh finish, sprinkle bright, chopped parsley over the dish and add grilled lemon slices or a little extra lemon zest on top. These garnishes enhance the Mediterranean flair and lend a burst of color that makes the plate even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This one pan meal shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, some warm pita bread, or a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce. The balance of fresh, cool accompaniments cuts through the richness, turning your dinner into a perfect Mediterranean feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring this dish to your next dinner party by plating the chicken atop a generous mound of rice in individual shallow bowls, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon curls. Or serve family-style in the skillet itself to highlight the inviting, rustic charm of the Best Chicken and Rice (One Pan) Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, tuck any leftovers into a covered container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making your next meal just as rewarding.

Freezing

If you want to save the Best Chicken and Rice (One Pan) Recipe for longer, place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. This way, you’ll always have a comforting homemade meal ready when you need it.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through. For crispy chicken skin, pop the pieces under a hot broiler for a couple of minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to revive its fluffy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While chicken breasts will work, thighs are preferred because their higher fat content keeps the meat juicy and flavorful throughout the longer cooking time. If you substitute, watch cooking time closely to prevent drying out.

Do I need to soak the chicken overnight?

Marinating for 30 minutes is sufficient to infuse good flavor, but letting the chicken sit overnight really intensifies the taste and tenderness. It’s a great step if you plan ahead.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long grain white rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and separate when cooked, absorbing flavors nicely. Avoid sticky rice varieties which can get gummy during baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! The Best Chicken and Rice (One Pan) Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken stock. Always check labels to be sure.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Feel free to incorporate chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or peas when sautéing the onions and spinach. Just adjust your liquid slightly and keep an eye on cooking time to maintain the perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about one-pan meals that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss, and the Best Chicken and Rice (One Pan) Recipe is no exception. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is sure to become a beloved staple. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for lemons and fresh herbs a little more often!

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