Description
A versatile recipe that can be made with chicken thighs or breasts, adaptable for vegetarian diets, and perfect for make-ahead meal planning.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (or 1/4 teaspoon turmeric as a budget-friendly alternative)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken
- Sauté the Aromatics
- Add Spices and Rice
- Combine Liquids and Return Chicken
- Cook Until Done
- Finish and Garnish
Notes
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well, but reduce the initial searing time to 3-4 minutes per side and check for doneness earlier as they cook more quickly than thighs.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you verify your chicken broth is gluten-free (some commercial brands contain gluten-based additives).
- Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Replace chicken with 2 cans of drained chickpeas or 1 pound of firm tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- What if I don’t have a large enough skillet? A Dutch oven or any oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid works well as an alternative. Ensure it’s at least 4-5 quarts in capacity.
- Can I prepare this in advance for a dinner party? Yes, you can fully prepare this dish up to 24 hours ahead and reheat it covered in a 325°F (165°C) oven for approximately 20 minutes until heated through.
- How spicy is this dish? This recipe is mild to medium in heat level. For more spice, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers.
Keywords: make-ahead meals, gluten-free option, vegetarian option, chicken recipe, adaptable recipe
