Description
Succulent spicy baked chicken and rice delivers a bold Mediterranean flavor explosion with perfectly seasoned chicken nestled over fluffy rice. Crispy golden edges and zesty spices promise a delightful meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
Grains:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) long-grain white rice
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Liquid and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a blazing 400°F (200°C), preparing for a flavor-packed culinary adventure.
- Craft a vibrant spice blend by combining paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.
- Massage chicken thighs with olive oil, then thoroughly coat each piece with the aromatic spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, searing chicken thighs until golden brown and crisp, approximately 5 minutes per side.
- Transfer browned chicken to a temporary plate, leaving behind flavorful remnants in the skillet.
- Introduce rice to the same skillet, toasting for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty essence and absorb the existing spice-infused oils.
- Pour chicken broth and tangy lemon juice over the rice, gently stirring to distribute the liquid evenly and create a harmonious base.
- Strategically position the seared chicken thighs atop the seasoned rice, creating a perfect one-pan ensemble.
- Cover the skillet and transfer to the preheated oven, allowing the dish to bake for 35-40 minutes until the chicken reaches perfect doneness and rice becomes tender.
- Finish by scattering fresh parsley across the dish, adding a vibrant touch of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Ensure chicken thighs are evenly coated with spice mix for consistent flavor throughout the dish.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for better heat distribution and crispier chicken skin during browning.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm broth is certified gluten-free and substitute with cauliflower rice if needed.
- Reduce cayenne pepper for milder taste or add extra for more heat, customizing spice level to personal preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg