One Pan Herby Chicken and Wild Rice

One-Pan Herby Chicken and Wild Rice is a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that combines tender, flavorful chicken thighs with perfectly cooked wild rice, all in one pan. This meal is infused with a variety of fresh herbs that add depth and brightness to every bite. Best of all, it’s a complete meal cooked in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or as a meal prep option for the week. The wild rice adds a nutty, chewy texture, while the chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful, thanks to the combination of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley. The simplicity of cooking everything in one pan means that the rice absorbs all the flavors from the chicken and herbs, creating a deeply satisfying and flavorful dish.

One-pan meals have always been a favorite in my house, especially when I’m short on time but want to serve something that’s both comforting and nutritious. One-Pan Herby Chicken and Wild Rice has become a go-to recipe because it’s easy to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and is always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of aromatic herbs, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice is simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Herby Chicken and Wild Rice Recipe

1. Minimal Cleanup: Everything is cooked in one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash and less time spent in the kitchen.
2. Flavor-Packed: The fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley infuse the chicken and rice with incredible flavor, while the wild rice adds a delightful nuttiness.
3. Complete Meal: With protein, grains, and vegetables all in one dish, this meal is well-rounded and nutritious.
4. Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week.
5. Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences by swapping out the vegetables, using different herbs, or even trying different types of rice.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 50-60 minutes
• Total time: 60-70 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4-6
• Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh and 1 cup of rice with vegetables

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Carbs: 45g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious One-Pan Herby Chicken and Wild Rice:

For the Chicken:

• 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Wild Rice and Vegetables:

• 1 cup wild rice blend (a mix of wild rice, brown rice, and other whole grains)
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Optional Add-Ins and Variations:

• Spinach or kale: Add fresh greens for extra nutrients.
• Butternut squash or sweet potatoes: For a heartier, sweeter flavor.
• Dried cranberries or raisins: Add for a pop of sweetness and texture.
• Toasted almonds or pecans: For added crunch.
• Cheese: Grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for extra richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken:

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This will help the skin crisp up when cooking. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, and minced garlic. Rub the herb mixture all over the chicken thighs, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil:

In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Sear the Chicken:

Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs, skin-side down, in the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the oven with the rice.

3. Set the Chicken Aside:

Remove the seared chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate while you prepare the rice and vegetables.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Sauté the Onion, Carrot, and Celery:

In the same skillet, add another 1 tablespoon of olive oil if needed, then sauté the onion, carrot, and celery over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.

2. Add the Mushrooms and Garlic:

If using mushrooms, add them to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 4: Cook the Wild Rice

1. Add the Rice and Broth:

Stir in the wild rice blend and 1 tablespoon of thyme, making sure the rice is evenly distributed with the vegetables. Add 2 ½ cups of chicken broth and the bay leaf, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Bring to a Simmer:

Bring the rice and broth mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Rice

1. Place the Chicken on Top:

Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice and vegetable mixture, skin-side up. This allows the flavors from the chicken to infuse into the rice as it cooks.

2. Cover and Bake:

Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer it to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C)) and the rice is tender.

3. Uncover and Crisp the Chicken:

For extra crispy skin, uncover the skillet during the last 10 minutes of baking, or place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the chicken skin even more.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken and rice are cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the dish rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a pop of brightness. The citrus helps to cut through the richness of the dish, balancing out the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve

• As a Main Course: Serve this one-pan herby chicken and wild rice as a hearty main course, with a simple green salad on the side.
• With a Side of Vegetables: Pair it with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a complete meal.
• For Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping. Portion it out into individual containers and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• With a Sauce: If you like, serve the chicken with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, a dollop of yogurt, or a creamy garlic sauce for added flavor.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Sear the Chicken Well: Don’t skip the step of searing the chicken before baking. Searing the chicken locks in moisture, adds flavor, and creates a crispy, golden skin that contrasts beautifully with the tender rice.
2. Use an Oven-Safe Skillet or Dutch Oven: Make sure to use a skillet or Dutch oven that’s oven-safe, as the dish needs to be transferred from the stovetop to the oven. Cast iron skillets work especially well for this recipe because they distribute heat evenly.
3. Adjust the Broth to Rice Ratio: If you’re using a different type of rice, such as brown rice or basmati rice, be sure to adjust the amount of broth and cooking time accordingly. Wild rice tends to absorb more liquid and takes longer to cook than other varieties of rice.
4. Add Fresh Herbs at the End: For the freshest flavor, sprinkle chopped parsley or other fresh herbs over the dish just before serving. This will add a burst of brightness and color to the dish.
5. Let the Dish Rest: After removing the skillet from the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.

Recipe Variations

This One-Pan Herby Chicken and Wild Rice recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Here are a few variations to try:

1. One-Pan Chicken and Brown Rice:

If you prefer brown rice over wild rice, you can easily swap it into this recipe. Brown rice has a slightly nuttier flavor and will take a bit longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. You may need to add an extra ½ cup of broth and increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.

2. Mediterranean Chicken and Rice:

For a Mediterranean twist, use oregano, lemon, and olives in place of some of the herbs. Add crumbled feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes before serving for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.

3. One-Pan Chicken and Quinoa:

For a higher protein, gluten-free alternative, swap out the wild rice for quinoa. Quinoa cooks more quickly than rice, so adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes. This version is lighter but just as flavorful.

4. One-Pan Chicken and Farro:

If you love hearty grains, try using farro instead of wild rice. Farro has a chewy texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with the herby chicken. Like wild rice, farro takes longer to cook, so be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

5. Creamy One-Pan Chicken and Rice:

For a creamier version of this dish, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese to the rice before baking. This adds a rich, velvety texture to the rice and makes the dish even more comforting.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover One-Pan Herby Chicken and Wild Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

Freezing:

This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the chicken and rice to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Special Equipment

• Oven-Safe Skillet or Dutch Oven: A large skillet or Dutch oven that can go from stovetop to oven is essential for this one-pan meal. A cast-iron skillet works particularly well for this recipe.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the vegetables and rice.
• Tongs: For flipping and handling the chicken thighs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts instead of thighs. Keep in mind that chicken breasts can cook more quickly than thighs, so you may need to adjust the cooking time. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F (75°C) when done.

2. Can I use different herbs?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs based on your preferences. Fresh herbs like oregano, sage, basil, or tarragon would work well in this dish. You can also use dried herbs if fresh herbs aren’t available—just be sure to use less, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

3. What if my rice isn’t fully cooked after baking?

If your rice isn’t fully cooked after the recommended baking time, simply add a little more broth (about ¼ cup at a time) and return the dish to the oven for another 5-10 minutes. Wild rice can sometimes take longer to cook depending on the brand or blend.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Assemble everything in the skillet, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

5. Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! This recipe is very flexible, so feel free to add any vegetables you like. Zucchini, butternut squash, broccoli, or spinach would all be delicious additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose.

Conclusion

One-Pan Herby Chicken and Wild Rice is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The combination of tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and aromatic herbs makes this dish both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, with everything cooked in one pan, cleanup is a breeze! Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this one-pan meal as much as I do! Feel free to experiment with different herbs, vegetables, and grains to make the recipe your own. It’s a versatile, customizable, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion.