Chicken & Rice

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Bone-In Chicken Thighs (skin on, about 1.5 lb total)
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt (for seasoning)
• 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
• 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste (concentrated)
• 1/4 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (oil‑packed, chopped)
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 small Shallot (minced)
• 2 pieces Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1 cup Long Grain White Rice (rinsed)
• 2 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 2 Tbsp Heavy Cream (for richness)
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Basil (chopped)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

   Pat the chicken thighs dry, then season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

   Time: PT5M

2. Brown the Chicken

   Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the thighs skin‑side down and cook about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken will be partially cooked but not done through.

   Time: PT6M

   Temperature: Medium‑High

3. Set Chicken Aside

   Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside while you build the rice base.

   Time: PT1M

4. Sauté Aromatics and Toast Rice

   In the same skillet, add the minced shallot, garlic, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, and chopped sun‑dried tomatoes. Stir for 1‑2 minutes until fragrant. Add the rinsed rice and toss to coat, then toast the rice for 2‑3 minutes until it turns a light golden color.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium

5. Simmer with Broth and Finish Cooking Chicken

   Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up. Cover with the lid and reduce heat to medium‑low. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F.

   Time: PT20M

   Temperature: Medium‑Low

6. Finish with Cheese, Cream, and Herbs

   Stir in the grated Parmesan and heavy cream until melted and the sauce becomes silky. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and basil over the top, then serve immediately.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: Low

Nutrition Facts

Calories

460

Protein

30 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

2 g