You know those recipes that just stick with you? The ones you make over and over because they’re foolproof and always hit the spot? That’s exactly what this 16052 2 hearty chicken rice delight recipe has been for my family. I’ve been making this weekly for years – it’s our cozy kitchen hug after long days. What I love most is how simple ingredients transform into something so satisfying. The chicken stays juicy, the rice absorbs all those delicious flavors, and in under 40 minutes, you’ve got a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to comfort dish too!
Why You’ll Love This 16052 2 Hearty Chicken Rice Delight Recipe
This recipe has become my weeknight superhero, and here’s why it’ll be yours too:
- Quick & Easy: From pan to plate in under 40 minutes – perfect when you’re starving NOW
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your meal (and let’s be honest, less cleaning)
- Flavor Bomb: That garlic-thyme-paprika combo makes every bite taste like you slaved for hours
- Customizable: Throw in whatever veggies you’ve got – it’s like the Swiss Army knife of dinner recipes
Seriously, this dish is the culinary equivalent of your favorite cozy sweater – comforting, reliable, and always hits the spot.
Ingredients for 16052 2 Hearty Chicken Rice Delight
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to chicken rice magic! Here’s what you’ll need:
- The Protein: 2 boneless, skinless chicken (I like to butterfly them for quicker cooking)
- The Grain: 1 cup white rice (uncooked – trust me, it’ll puff up perfectly!)
- The Flavor Boosters: 2 cups chicken broth, 1 onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- The Seasoning Squad: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp dried thyme
See? Nothing fancy – just real food that turns into something extraordinary. Now let’s make some kitchen magic happen!
Equipment Needed for 16052 2 Hearty Chicken Rice Delight
You won’t need much – just grab:
- A trusty large skillet with lid (that lid is KEY for steaming the rice perfectly)
- Cutting board and sharp knife (for prepping those onions and garlic)
- Measuring cups (eyeballing works, but measuring gives you perfect results every time)
That’s it! No fancy gadgets required – just good ol’ kitchen basics.
How to Make 16052 2 Hearty Chicken Rice Delight
Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe flows like a beautiful kitchen dance – each step builds on the last to create something magical. Follow along and you’ll have a perfect chicken rice delight in no time!
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
First, heat that olive oil in your skillet over medium heat – you’ll know it’s ready when a tiny piece of onion sizzles. Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. You’re looking for that perfect moment when the onions turn translucent and your kitchen smells like heaven. Don’t walk away – garlic burns fast!
Step 2: Cook Chicken
While those aromatics work their magic, mix your salt, pepper, paprika and thyme in a little bowl. Rub this fragrant blend all over your chicken – get it into every nook! Now nestle those seasoned beauties right into the pan with the onions. Cook for 5 minutes per side until you get that gorgeous golden-brown color. The sizzle sound? Music to my ears!
Step 3: Simmer Rice
Here’s where the magic happens! Remove the chicken (just temporarily – promise!) and pour in your rice and chicken broth. Crank the heat up until it boils – you’ll see little bubbles dancing around the edges. Then reduce to low heat, place the chicken back in the pan, cover with that lid, and let it simmer undisturbed for exactly 20 minutes. No peeking! That steam is working hard to cook everything perfectly. After 20 minutes, take it off heat but resist serving immediately – let it rest covered for 5 minutes to finish absorbing all those delicious flavors.
Tips for Perfect 16052 2 Hearty Chicken Rice Delight
After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few secrets that take it from good to “wow!” Here are my can’t-miss tips:
- Patience pays: That 5-minute resting time isn’t optional – it lets the rice absorb every last drop of flavor!
- Broth is boss: Water works, but chicken broth gives that rich, savory depth that makes this dish special.
- Season smart: Taste before serving – you might want an extra pinch of salt depending on your broth’s saltiness.
Trust me, these little touches make all the difference between “meh” and “more please!”
Variations for 16052 2 Hearty Chicken Rice Delight
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can make it your own! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried:
- Rice Swap: Use brown rice instead – just add 5 extra minutes cooking time and a splash more broth
- Veggie Boost: Toss in frozen peas or diced carrots with the rice – instant color and nutrition!
- Herb Change-Up: Swap thyme for rosemary if you’re feeling fancy – it gives a wonderful woodsy aroma
The best part? No matter how you tweak it, this dish always comes out comforting and delicious. Get creative! If you are looking for other easy dinner ideas, check out this air fryer teriyaki chicken rice bowls recipe.
Serving Suggestions for 16052 2 Hearty Chicken Rice Delight
This dish is practically a meal in itself, but I love rounding it out with some fresh sides! My go-to is a crisp green salad – that cool crunch balances the warm, comforting chicken rice perfectly. Steamed broccoli or roasted carrots work wonders too. The recipe makes 4 generous servings (or 2 very hungry ones – no judgment here!). Pro tip: Garnish with chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy – it adds a pop of color that makes the whole meal look restaurant-worthy!
Storage and Reheating
This chicken rice delight keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days – just store it in an airtight container. When reheating, I always add a splash of water before microwaving to bring back that perfect moist texture. The rice tends to soak up moisture as it sits, so that little extra liquid makes all the difference! Leftovers taste almost better the next day as the flavors really meld together.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each delicious serving (but remember – estimates vary based on your exact ingredients):
- Calories: 380 (perfect fuel for your day!)
- Protein: 30g (hello, muscle-building goodness)
- Fat: 8g (mostly the good kind from olive oil)
- Carbs: 45g (energy to keep you going)
Not too shabby for a meal that tastes this comforting! The numbers might wiggle a bit depending on your chicken size or broth brand, but you’re definitely getting solid nutrition here. For more information on general nutritional guidelines, you can check out resources from the World Health Organization.
FAQs About 16052 2 Hearty Chicken Rice Delight
I get asked about this recipe all the time! Here are answers to the most common questions:
Can I use frozen chicken? You can, but thaw it completely first – frozen chicken won’t brown properly and might make your rice mushy. I pop mine in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on my microwave in a pinch.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just use a bigger pan (I love my deep 12-inch skillet for this) and add a few extra minutes cooking time. It’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd! If you are interested in other one-pan meals, consider this one pan sausage apple skillet recipe.
Is it freezer-friendly? Honestly? Not really. The rice gets weirdly grainy when frozen and reheated. But it keeps so well in the fridge for days that you probably won’t need to freeze it anyway!
Try this recipe tonight and share your results – I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! For more quick dinner inspiration, see this guide on quick dinner recipes.
Print
16052 2 Hearty Chicken Rice Delight Recipe Your Family Will Devour
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful chicken and rice dish that’s perfect for a filling meal. Easy to make with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté for 2 minutes.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Add chicken to the pan and cook for 5 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken, add rice and chicken broth to the pan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use brown rice instead of white but increase cooking time.
- Add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken rice recipe, hearty chicken dish, easy dinner recipe