One Pan Chicken & Rice

If you love sweet, savory, and just a little smoky in one bite, this one is for you. Bourbon chicken is that mall-style classic we all secretly crave, but we’re elevating it with juicy pineapple fried rice and serving it inside a fresh pineapple bowl. It’s bold, tropical, and perfect for date night, Sunday dinner, or content that makes people stop scrolling.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and legs (or boneless if preferred)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small red onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1red bell pepper, diced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine works great)

• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp Jamaican browning or soy sauce

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)

• Fresh parsley for garnish

For the Pineapple Fried Rice

Instructions

1. 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)

2. 1½ cups fresh pineapple chunks (You can use the chunks from the pineapple bowl)

3. 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

4. 2 eggs, lightly beaten

5. 2 tbsp soy sauce

6. 1 tbsp sesame oil

7. 2 cloves garlic, minced

8. 2 tbsp butter or oil

9. ½ tsp black pepper

10. Optional: diced bell peppers, shrimp, or scallions

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat.Place chicken skin-side down and sear for about 5–7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside (it will finish cooking later).

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook until softened.Stir in garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.Add carrots and cook for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Rice

Stir in the uncooked rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes. This helps develop flavor.Pour in chicken broth and add butter if using. Stir gently.

Step 5: Simmer

Place the chicken back into the pan on top of the rice.Bring everything to a light boil, then reduce heat to low.Cover and simmer for 18–22 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).

Step 6: Finish

Sprinkle peas over the top during the last 5 minutes of cooking.Turn off heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice.Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Conclusion

One pan chicken and rice is comfort food that doesn’t require a lot of effort. The chicken stays juicy, the rice turns flavorful and tender, and everything comes together in one skillet. It’s great for meal prep, feeding family, or when you just need something reliable and satisfying.

Simple ingredients, real flavor, and barely any dishes. That’s a win.