Pan-Seared Chicken Rice Peppers (Printable Version)

Crispy chicken, golden rice, and colorful peppers join for a vibrant, delicious weeknight dinner.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
02 - Salt, to taste
03 - Black pepper, to taste
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Golden Herb Rice

07 - 200 grams basmati or jasmine rice
08 - 480 millilitres chicken broth or water
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
10 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
11 - 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
12 - Salt, to taste
13 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or thyme

→ Vegetables

14 - 60 grams sweet bell pepper, sliced (red, yellow, or orange)
15 - 90 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
16 - 0.5 medium zucchini, chopped (optional)
17 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
18 - Salt, to taste
19 - Black pepper, to taste
20 - 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
21 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

# Steps To Follow:

01 - Heat olive oil or butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Incorporate the rice, turmeric, and salt; stir to evenly coat the grains. Pour in chicken broth or water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15–18 minutes until tender and fluffy. Fluff with a fork and fold in fresh herbs. Reserve and keep warm.
02 - Preheat oven to 200°C. Toss sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and chopped zucchini with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes until tender and lightly charred at the edges.
03 - Pat chicken dry using kitchen paper. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Flip and cook an additional 5–7 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 74°C.
04 - Arrange a serving of golden rice on a plate. Nestle the crispy chicken beside the rice and assemble the roasted vegetables alongside. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and, if desired, lemon wedges.

# Notes and Tips:

01 - For best texture, use skin-on chicken and allow it to rest briefly before slicing.
02 - Adjust seasoning and fresh herb quantities to match preference or seasonal availability.