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Easy One-Pot Serbian Chicken and Rice

Easy One-Pot Serbian Chicken and Rice
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Easy One-Pot Serbian Chicken and Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish combining tender chicken thighs, long-grain rice, and aromatic vegetables cooked together with authentic Balkan spices like sweet paprika. Ready in under an hour, this hearty meal delivers rich, smoky flavors with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4–6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

Grains & Legumes

  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bell peppers, chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 2 tbsp tomato paste)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Liquids & Fats

  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tsp sweet paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and a generous sprinkle of sweet paprika, then brown them in the oil until golden on both sides. This initial sear locks in juices and sets the flavor base.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Remove the chicken and add chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the same pot. Cook until soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally to scrape up those lovely browned bits from the chicken; this builds rich depth in your dish.
  3. Add Rice and Tomato: Stir in the rice along with diced tomatoes or tomato paste. Let the rice toast slightly for a minute, allowing it to soak up the aromatic flavors before adding the broth.
  4. Combine Chicken and Broth: Return the chicken to the pot nestling it atop the rice and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the rice is fully submerged, then bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer gently until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 30 minutes.
  5. Finish and Garnish: Once cooked, fluff the rice carefully with a fork and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of freshness and color. Let the dish rest covered for a few minutes before serving to deepen the flavors even more.

Notes

  • Even Searing: Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning chicken to ensure each piece crisps nicely instead of steaming.
  • Use Good Broth: Homemade or high-quality store-bought broth makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
  • Rice Choice Matters: Avoid instant rice varieties as they can become mushy; stick to long-grain types for best texture.
  • Rest Time: Allowing the dish to sit off heat for 5 minutes helps the rice fully absorb any remaining liquid.
  • Adjust Seasonings: Taste and tweak salt and paprika levels prior to simmering for perfectly balanced flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Serbian chicken rice, one-pot chicken recipe, Balkan cuisine, easy chicken dinner, paprika chicken, weeknight meal, gluten-free dinner

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/easy-one-pot-serbian-chicken-and-rice/