Are you ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a flavor explosion? This Spicy Chicken and Brown Rice recipe is about to become your new obsession! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken pieces nestled in perfectly cooked brown rice, with a kick of heat that will make your taste buds dance. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that's not only incredibly delicious but also packed with nutrition and bold flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cubing chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch pieces and measuring out all spices and liquids.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and paprika, then carefully add to the hot skillet.
- Sear chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden-brown exterior and are partially cooked.
- Add brown rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the chicken, toasting the rice for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and hot sauce, stirring to ensure rice and chicken are evenly distributed.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- Check rice for doneness - it should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If needed, cook for additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow rice to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot.
Tips
- Uniform Cutting: Cut chicken thighs into consistent 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and a professional presentation.
- High Heat Searing: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve that beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor.
- Rice Toasting Technique: Toasting the rice for 1-2 minutes before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and helps prevent mushiness.
- Liquid Ratio: Always use the recommended chicken broth amount to ensure perfectly cooked rice - too little liquid can result in undercooked grains.
- Spice Control: Adjust hot sauce quantity based on your heat preference. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Resting Time Matters: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow moisture redistribution and more even texture.
- Garnish Freshness: Chopped green onions aren't just for looks - they add a fresh, sharp flavor that complements the spicy chicken beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
