Italian Rice with Chicken

Savor the comforting flavors of Italy with this hearty Italian Rice with Chicken recipe! Tender, seasoned chicken thighs are browned to perfection and paired with vibrant vegetables like red bell peppers, carrots, and onions. Arborio rice, the star of the dish, absorbs a rich medley of chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasonings, creating a creamy, risotto-like texture without the fuss. A final touch of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley elevates this one-pan meal into a satisfying feast that’s bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Ready in just under an hour, this family-friendly dish is a perfect balance of ease and elegance, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 1 medium carrot
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4

Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the red bell pepper and carrot into small pieces.

Step 5

In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and carrot. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 7

Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the grains lightly.

Step 8

Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 9

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 10

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 11

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.

Step 12

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2030 grams (2030.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1940

Total Fat 99.10g	127%
Saturated Fat 26.00g	130%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.70g
Cholesterol 652mg	217%
Sodium 4990mg	217%
Total Carbohydrate 96.10g	35%
Dietary Fiber 13.30g	48%
Total Sugars 20.10g
Protein 158.80g	318%

Vitamin D 35IU	175%
Calcium 536mg	41%
Iron 11mg	63%
Potassium 3062mg	65%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.7%

Protein: 33.2%

Carbs: 20.1%