Description
Succulent 30-Minute Sun-Dried Tomato, Parmesan, and Basil Chicken and Rice delivers Mediterranean warmth with elegant simplicity. Quick weeknight dinners welcome this flavor-packed meal that combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and creamy rice in one delightful plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 56 ounces (1587 grams) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Grains and Liquid:
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice, washed
- 2 cups chicken broth
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or about 10 leaves)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the protein by seasoning chicken thighs with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating for maximum flavor absorption.
- Create a golden sear in a heated pan with olive oil, positioning chicken skin-side down to develop a crisp, caramelized exterior.
- Introduce minced garlic to the pan, allowing its aromatic essence to infuse into the meat within 30 seconds of adding.
- Pour chicken broth around the chicken, covering the pan to facilitate gentle, even cooking and moisture retention.
- Allow the chicken to simmer softly, transforming into tender, succulent pieces over 12-15 minutes.
- Incorporate washed rice directly into the pan, nestling it around the chicken pieces to absorb the rich, developing flavors.
- Reduce heat and cover, enabling the rice to absorb the remaining liquid and cook thoroughly for approximately 12 minutes.
- After cooking, let the dish rest covered, allowing residual steam to complete the rice’s final texture refinement.
- Delicately fold sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese into the rice, distributing ingredients evenly.
- Return chicken thighs to the pan, ensuring they rest atop the herb-infused rice mixture.
- Optional enhancement: Create an ultra-crispy chicken skin by briefly searing the thighs in a dry nonstick pan for additional textural contrast.
Notes
- Select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness during cooking.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown crispy skin that develops beautiful caramelization.
- Use fresh basil leaves instead of dried for a brighter, more vibrant herb flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Adjust rice liquid ratio if using different rice varieties like brown or wild rice, which typically require more cooking time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 56
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg