Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Skillet

Ready in under an hour, this tomato basil chicken and rice skillet cooks entirely in one pan and is packed with flavor. Tender chicken is cooked along with a fluffy tomato basil rice for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!

Jump to:

• The Ingredients
• The Method
• Leftovers and Storage
• Make it Your Own
• Serving Ideas
• Tips and Notes
• And if you liked this recipe...
• Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Skillet
• Comments

When it comes to preparing a nutritious and delicious dinner at home on the regular, I'll let you in on a little (not-so-secret) secret. One. Pot. Meals.

A regular on our meal plan each week, from Cajun Shrimp and Rice to Bruschetta Chicken and Potatoes, there are no limits to the flavors that this type of dish can bring to your table. No need for supper boredom!

I am constantly brainstorming new flavors to turn into a one pan dish but when I started experimenting with this tomato basil rice and chicken, I knew it was going to be one that I would definitely need to share because it's:

• Perfect for Weeknights: This one-pan meal is ideal for busy weeknights when you need an easy dish that doesn't compromise on flavor. Plus, the leftovers taste equally good and are perfect for lunch the next day.
• All-in-One Meal: With protein, grains, and veggies all cooked together in one skillet, this dish is a complete meal that satisfies.
• Packed with Delicious Flavors: Featuring the comforting combination of tender chicken, aromatic garlic and onions, vibrant tomatoes, and fragrant basil, every bite is bursting with flavor. Minimal effort but maximum results! (The same goes for this cherry tomato jam)
• Minimal Dishes: Forget about juggling multiple pots and pans—this recipe requires just one skillet, minimizing preparation and cleanup.

The Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs- If you'd prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead. If they are thick, they may need to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes per side in the searing step in order to ensure they are cooked through at the end.
• Avocado Oil- Olive oil or another neutral cooking oil will work.
• Garlic- If needed, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead. Add it at the same time as the rice.
• Yellow Onion- A white or red onion will work as well.
• Red Bell Pepper- A bell pepper adds extra sweetness to the "sauce" and complements the tomato taste. Another color of sweet bell pepper such as yellow or orange can be used.
• Fresh Cherry Tomatoes- These add an extra burst of tomato flavor and some texture. Alternatively, you can use a diced, regular sized tomato (but like in this tomato soup, cherry tomatoes tend to have more flavor), ¼ cup of diced sun-dried tomatoes or leave them out.
• Long Grain White Rice- I chose to use white rice in this recipe to speed up the cooking time. If you'd prefer to use brown rice (like in this Italian Sausage Rice Skillet), you will need to increase the water to 3 cups and the cooking time will be nearly doubled.
• Crushed Tomatoes- These contribute the tomato flavor as well as some of the liquid. If needed, you can use a can (of the same size) of diced tomatoes but I prefer the smoother textre of using crushed.
• Balsamic Vinegar- Just a splash adds extra depth of flavor. If needed, you can sub with red wine vinegar or leave it out but it really does take the dish up a level if you can add it.
• Dried Basil + Fresh Basil Leaves- To maximize the basil flavor, I like to use both dried basil in the rice and then add some fresh basil to the finished product. If you don't have any fresh, it will still be delicious without.
• Sea Salt- Table or kosher salt can also be used; adjust to taste.
• Black Pepper
• Water

The Method

1. Sear Chicken. In a large skillet, heat half of the oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken thighs. Sear on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden.

2. Sauté Aromatics. Remove the seared chicken to a plate. In the same skillet, add the remaining oil, chopped onion and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until nearly tender. Stir in the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. Add Remaining Ingredients. Stir in the rice, crushed tomatoes, fresh cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, water, salt, pepper, and dried basil.

Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the rice mixture.

4. Simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally (about every 5 minutes). Remove from the heat and rest for 5 minutes.

5. Serve. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and enjoy!

Leftovers and Storage

To Store: Leftover tomato basil chicken and rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Freeze: Leftovers of this meal freeze well for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: Rewarm in the microwave until heated through.

Make it Your Own

• Use Shrimp- Instead of chicken thighs, you can use 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Skip the step of searing it and simply add it on top of the rice after the rice has cooked for 10 minutes like in this Lemon Herb Shrimp Rice Skillet.
• Include Beans- For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with 2-3 cups of white beans or chickpeas added at the same time as the rice. Or you can add 1 and ½ cups of beans and keep the chicken to make the whole recipe more filling.
• Add More Vegetables- Add extra plants to the dish by adding more veggies such as:
  • Zucchini or Mushrooms (add at the same time as the onions)
  • Spinach (stir it into the rice in the last 5 minutes)
• Make it Cheesy- Add shredded cheese such as Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar on top of the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. Allow the cheese to melt and become gooey before serving.

Serving Ideas

Thanks to the all-in-one nature of this skillet meal, you can easily serve it all on its own without the need to worry about sides. But if you'd like to enjoy your one pan tomato basil chicken and rice with a little something extra, here are some options:

• Salad: This dish would be great alongside a caesar, spinach or simple green salad.
• Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus and carrots, or sautéed green beans.
• Bread: Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or garlic toast.

Tips and Notes

• Use Fresh Basil: While the dried basil in the rice adds flavor, if you have fresh for garnish, it really brings the dish together.
• Sear the Chicken: Searing the chicken thighs locks in their juices and develops a flavorful crust.
• Saute the Aromatics: Taking the time to sauté the onion, garlic, and peppers helps to release their flavors and create a flavorful base for the dish.
• Keep an Eye on the Rice: While the rice cooks, check it occasionally and stir gently to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn't stick to the bottom of the skillet.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the skillet to rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the flavors to come together and helps ensure the rice has the best texture.

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And if you liked this recipe...

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