This flavorful Serbian Rice Dish with Chicken | One Pot Rice | Healthy Cooking | Low-Calorie Recipes comes together in about 30 minutes and is cooked all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or even use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to use up those odds and ends you have hanging around. Seriously, doesn’t that sound fantastic?
Ingredient Breakdown
- Chicken Breast
- Long-Grain White Rice
- Onion
- Garlic
- Bell Peppers
- Paprika
- Chicken Broth
- Frozen Peas
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
First, heat your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Cook until it’s translucent and fragrant about 3-4 minutes. Then, add in your minced garlic and bell peppers. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for another 2-3 minutes until sweet and aromatic.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Next, throw in those bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is no longer pink on all sidesa, bout 5-6 minutes. You might need to stir a bit more here to ensure everything cooks evenly! Scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the pot; that’s where all the flavor hangs out!
Step 3: Add Rice and Spices
Sprinkle in the paprika and stir until the chicken and veggies are all coated with that delicious spice. Pour in the rice and give it a good stir to combine everything. This step is super important, as it helps the rice absorb all those fantastic flavors!
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Now, it’s time for the chicken broth! Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook, covered, for about 18-20 minutes. You want the rice nice and tender, soaking up all that broth goodness.
Step 5: Add Peas and Fluff
When the rice is just about done, toss in your frozen peas, stirring them in gently, and cover the pot again. Let it sit for about another 5 minutes off the heat. Then, remove the lid and fluff your one-pot wonder with a fork.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I want something comforting yet easy. It’s vibrant and flavorful, a true crowd-pleaser! And since it’s a one-pot dish, cleanup is a breeze! I’m a real sucker for meals that come together in no time and don’t create extra mess, not to mention you can use whatever you’ve got lying around! The best part is that leftovers taste even better the next day!
If you loved this Serbian Rice Dish with Chicken, be sure to check out my Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, my Zucchini Rollatini, or my Low FODMAP Big Mac Bowl!
What Makes This Recipe Special
One Pot Wonder
This dish comes together all in one pot! No one wants to do a mountain of dishes during a busy week, right? The quick cleanup is a lifesaver!
Quick & Easy
Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish makes for a perfect weeknight meal when you’re balancing work and family life. Seriously, what’s better than that?
Comfort Food
This comforting recipe is loaded with tons of flavor, making it a delicious choice for just about any occasion weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a casual gathering with friends. Your loved ones will be begging for seconds!
Customizable
You can easily tailor this dish to suit your family’s tastes. Got some leftover veggies? Toss them in! Want to switch out chicken for shrimp or tofu? Go for it! This dish is supposed to make your life easier, so feel free to get creative!
Budget-Friendly
With affordable ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank making it a great option for families looking to save a little while still enjoying a delicious meal.
Serving & Storage
How to Serve This Dish
Serve your Serbian Rice Dish with Chicken warmed through, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color. It pairs nicely with a simple side salad or some fresh bread for mopping up those tasty flavors!
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it cools down completely before sealing!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too dry, stirring frequently until heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick option zap it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the reheating instructions.
And that’s it, folks! You’re on your way to a delicious and healthy Serbian Rice Dish with Chicken that will make your busy weeknights so much easier. I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, and I genuinely hope your family loves it as much as mine does! Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Serbian Rice Dish with Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and bell peppers, cooking further for another 2-3 minutes until sweet and aromatic.
- Add bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
- Sprinkle in paprika, stir to coat chicken and veggies, then add rice and stir to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Add frozen peas, stir gently, and let sit covered for 5 minutes off heat. Fluff with a fork before serving.