Paprika Chicken and Rice

This flavorful, one skillet paprika chicken and rice is a simple and delicious meal that's perfect for busy weeknights!

Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with a smoked paprika seasoning blend, then seared in a pan. Then, the rice takes on all the delicious flavors of the seasoned chicken. 

Recipe Inspiration

I love a one pot meal, but sometimes they can be tricky to get right. This recipe has juicy chicken and flavorful rice that your whole family will love!

You will want to add this recipe to your dinner choices for weeknight meals when time is limited. This chicken and rice pairs well with a nicely roasted vegetable that you can pop in the oven while you prepare the chicken and a complete meal will be ready in about 30 minutes!

If you are looking for more chicken recipes, check out our: Easy Baked Chicken Thighs, The Best Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Tuscan Chicken Thighs, Chicken and Vodka Pasta, or Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup.

Jump to:

• Recipe Inspiration
• Why You Will Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Directions
• Expert Tips and Tricks
• Kitchen Equipment
• Recipe Substitutions/Variations
• What To Serve With
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Recipe Storage and Reheating
• Other Recipes to Try
• Paprika Chicken and Rice

Why You Will Love This Recipe

One pan - This whole dish is made in one skillet which makes cleaning up a breeze. It can also be served at the dinner in the same skillet, making things even easier! 

Approachable - This is a simple recipe to make with just a few ingredients and very few steps. While the flavor and end result are impressive, anyone can make this recipe and feel confident it will be a hit!

Delicious - The subtle smoky flavor of the smoked paprika that is combined with garlic powder and onion powder is cozy and comforting. Those flavors are infused into the rice which not only makes it taste delicious, but gives it a beautiful red color too!

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need for this chicken and rice dish: 

• Paprika - Use smoked paprika for the best flavor.
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt & black pepper
• Chicken - I recommend using boneless skinless chicken breasts in this recipe. You can also substitute with chicken thighs if desired.
• Olive oil 
• Rice - I like to use long grain white rice for this.
• Chicken broth - You can also use chicken stock or bone broth

Directions

Let's make this easy recipe together! 

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 2: Place chicken breasts on a plate and season both sides with the paprika mixture.

Step 3: Heat a large, deep oven safe skillet or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Sear until browned, about 4-5 minutes on each side.

Step 4: Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 5: Add the uncooked rice and chicken broth to the pan and, using a wooden spoon, scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Bring the rice mixture to a boil.

Step 6: Add the browned chicken back to the pan, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook with a gentle simmer for 20 minutes or until the broth has been absorbed and the rice is cooked.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Here are some expert tips to make this smoked paprika chicken and rice: 

Use a Thermometer - To be sure the chicken is cooked to the appropriate temperature, use an instant read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F.

Complete the meal - Serve this meal with vegetables like green beans or roasted bell peppers, a green salad, and crusty bread.

Utilize Leftovers - Pack up leftovers into airtight containers and enjoy them as lunch later in the week. 

Kitchen Equipment

Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this simple recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.

Large skillet - You'll want a high quality large skillet with high sides.

Meat Thermometer - A meat thermometer is one of the best ways to ensure perfectly cooked chicken. This one is an instant thermometer that works great!

Braiser - This is the braiser I used for this recipe in the photos. It's one of my favorite kitchen pieces. It's definitely a splurge but fantastic quality!

Recipe Substitutions/Variations

Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this delicious one-pot recipe.

Paprika - Smoked paprika gives this dish a lot of unique flavor. Feel free to use regular paprika or sweet paprika, if you would like.

Rice - You can use any rice you prefer. Brown or white rice are both going to be great in this recipe.

Chicken - You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, skin on chicken thighs, or chicken cutlets in place of the chicken breasts. If you use chicken thighs, cook the chicken skin-side down and let them develop a brown crispy skin before removing fro the pot.

Garnish - You can garnish this finished dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

What To Serve With

Here are some easy recipes to serve alongside this paprika chicken:

Roasted Italian Cauliflower - This easy Roasted Italian Cauliflower recipe is so good! With only a few steps, this veggie side dish comes together quickly and is delicious with any meal.

Fresh Radish and Herb Salad - This easy and fresh radish and herb salad will be your new favorite healthy side dish! This salad is flavorful, crunchy, and just so fresh.

Easy Tuscan Roasted Broccoli - This Easy Tuscan Roasted Broccoli is the best roasted broccoli recipe you'll ever make! This easy side dish recipe is perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Storage and Reheating

Here are storage and reheating instructions for this chicken and rice dish.

Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.

Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.

Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm. You can also reheat in the microwave.

Other Recipes to Try