One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that practically cooks itself and fills your kitchen with the warm, irresistible scent of fresh herbs and tomatoes, you’re going to fall in love with the One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe. This Italian-inspired comfort food combines tender bites of chicken, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly seasoned rice all brought together in a single skillet. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and a super-simple cooking method, this is the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again whenever you crave something both hearty and hassle-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how just a few simple ingredients can come together to create magic in one pan! Each component brings something special: color, flavor, texture, or that unmistakable home-cooked aroma. Here’s what you’ll need to make your One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe shine:
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken keeps things juicy and tender, and cutting it into chunks helps it cook quickly.
- Olive oil: A drizzle kicks off the sauté, adding richness and helping everything brown perfectly.
- Onion: Diced onion forms the savory flavor base and melts into the rice as it cooks.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for that classic Italian aroma—don’t skip it!
- Long-grain white rice: Absorbs all the delicious flavors and cooks up fluffy in the pan.
- Diced tomatoes (with juices): Canned tomatoes add tang, juiciness, and a lovely red hue to the rice.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice and chicken with savory depth and keeps everything moist.
- Dried basil (or fresh): The signature herbal note that makes this dish so fragrant and fresh.
- Dried oregano: Adds a hint of earthiness and supports the basil beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every bite—taste and adjust as you like!
- Black pepper: A touch of pepper brings gentle warmth and rounds out the flavors.
- Cherry tomatoes: Fresh bursts of sweetness that roast up beautifully right in the pan.
- Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional): Melts into gooey or nutty goodness—totally up to your mood!
- Fresh basil for garnish: A sprinkle at the end brightens up the whole dish and looks gorgeous.
How to Make One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your chunks of chicken and let them cook for 4 to 5 minutes. The goal is a lovely golden color on each side—don’t worry if they aren’t cooked through yet, as they’ll finish in the rice later. This first step locks in all those savory juices and gives the chicken a head start on flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
With the chicken set aside, use the same pan (don’t clean it—those browned bits are pure flavor!). Toss in the diced onion and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often. When the onion is soft and translucent, add the minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds, until fragrant. This brief sauté unlocks all the aromatic goodness that will infuse the rice.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Now, add your uncooked long-grain rice straight into the pan. Stir it well to coat the grains with the olive oil and the aromatic mixture. Giving the rice a minute or two in the pan helps it stay fluffy and absorb even more flavor during cooking.
Step 4: Build the Base
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with all their juices) and the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it down into the rice, and add the halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the pan to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Let the One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe simmer for 18 to 22 minutes. The rice will absorb all those savory, tomato-rich juices, the chicken will finish cooking, and the cherry tomatoes will soften into juicy bites. For a cheesy finish, sprinkle mozzarella or Parmesan over the top during the last few minutes, then cover again until melted.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, remove the pan from the heat. Scatter a generous handful of fresh basil leaves over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the dish warm, letting everyone scoop their perfect portion straight from the pan.
How to Serve One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh basil is a must, but you can also add a drizzle of good olive oil, a sprinkle of extra cheese, or even a few cracks of black pepper for a final hit of flavor. If you love a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes is delightful.
Side Dishes
This One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a basket of warm, crusty garlic bread. For a lighter touch, try steamed green beans or a simple cucumber salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it family-style right from the skillet at the center of the table, or dish it up in shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic look. For a special touch, scoop individual portions into roasted bell pepper halves or stuff into tomatoes for a fun, elegant presentation. This dish is just as at home at a casual weeknight dinner as it is at a dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious for lunch the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. For the best texture, freeze without the fresh basil garnish and add that after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the rice, or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese and basil just before serving to revive that just-cooked flavor.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds extra nutrition and a nutty flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time and add a bit more broth, as brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid.
Is this One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your chicken broth is certified gluten-free, this recipe fits perfectly into a gluten-free diet. Always double-check your labels if gluten is a concern.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach when you add the rice for extra color and nutrition. This recipe is flexible and welcomes your favorite veggies.
What’s the best way to make this ahead for a party?
Prepare the One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe up to the point before garnishing, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving and add the fresh basil and cheese just before bringing it to the table so it tastes freshly made.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply skip the cheese or use your favorite non-dairy cheese alternative. The dish will still be packed with flavor from the tomatoes, herbs, and tender chicken.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a new favorite to your weeknight rotation, give the One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe a try. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become a staple at your table. Gather your favorite people, scoop out generous servings, and savor every last bite!
Print
One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One Pan Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Tender chicken chunks simmered with aromatic garlic, onions, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil create a delicious Italian-inspired meal all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 cups chicken broth
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the pan and stir well to coat it with the oil and aromatics, allowing it to toast slightly for about 1 minute.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Combine Chicken and Tomatoes: Return the browned chicken to the pan and add the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Until Cooked: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 18–22 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. During the last few minutes of cooking, if using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top and cover to allow it to melt.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Substitute brown rice for added fiber and nutrition; increase cooking time to about 40–45 minutes and add extra broth as needed.
- For a deeper tomato flavor, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the onions.
- Pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
