Baked Chicken Thighs with Rice and Vegetables

Baked Chicken Thighs with Rice and Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
3. Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet or a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear them until the skin is crispy and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
5. Add Rice: Stir in the rice and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb some of the flavors.
6. Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Bake: Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, skin-side up. Scatter the cherry tomatoes around the chicken. Cover the skillet or baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil, and place it in the preheated oven.
8. Bake Time: Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the lid or foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is crispy on top.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• This dish is perfect on its own but can be complemented with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
• For added flavor, you can squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the chicken and rice just before serving.

This recipe offers a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Enjoy!