⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

🍽 Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup Long-grain white rice
• 2 cups Chicken broth
• Optional Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab that baking dish and grease it well with olive oil or cooking spray. Trust me, this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat!), and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is nicely combined.
3. Add 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces, to the bowl. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in that delicious spice mix. Make sure each piece gets a good hug of flavor!
4. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup long-grain white rice and 2 cups chicken broth. Stir until the rice is well-saturated. It's like giving the rice a nice, refreshing bath before its big moment!
5. Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure it’s a nice, uniform layer. We want every grain to enjoy the oven's warmth!
6. Arrange the spiced chicken pieces on top of the rice, nestling them snugly together. They’re gonna be baked in a cozy rice bed!
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. You'll know the chicken is done when it's no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer to be sure—it should read 165°F (74°C).
8. Once it's out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything settle down and makes it easier to serve without a messy chicken avalanche!
9. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving, if you like. It adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. Plus, who doesn't love a little extra greenery?

📝 Notes

• Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Feel free to experiment with different spices and vegetables to customize this recipe to your taste!