Mama's Dinner in a Dash

Ready in just 40 minutes, Mama's Dinner in a Dash is the ultimate one-pan wonder for busy weeknights! This hearty and flavorful recipe combines tender, seared chicken thighs with a medley of vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, all simmered alongside fragrant white rice in a rich, savory broth. Elevated with a touch of Italian seasoning and smoked paprika, this dish offers a perfect balance of bold and comforting flavors. It's a quick and easy dinner idea that requires minimal prep and cleanup while delivering maximum flavor. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, this crowd-pleasing meal is ideal for families seeking a wholesome, home-cooked meal without the hassle. Keywords: quick and easy chicken dinner, one-pan meals, family-friendly recipes, weeknight dinner ideas, chicken and rice skillet.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 pieces chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 piece yellow onion (medium, diced)
• 1 piece bell pepper (red, chopped)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups spinach (fresh)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Season the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Step 3

Add the chicken thighs to the hot pan and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 4

In the same pan, add the diced onion and chopped bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until they start to break down.

Step 6

Add the chicken broth, white rice, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7

Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan, covering them partially with the liquid and rice mixture.

Step 8

Cover the pan with a lid and lower the heat to medium-low. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.

Step 9

After 20 minutes, remove the lid and gently stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts.

Step 10

Check that the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) and the rice is tender. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 11

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your quick and delicious Mama's Dinner in a Dash!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1353.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1984.6

Total Fat 74.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 436mg	0%
Sodium 3317.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 192.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.5g	0%
Total Sugars 16.1g
Protein 128.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 262.0mg	0%
Iron 10.7mg	0%
Potassium 2655.8mg	0%

*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: 34.4%

Protein: 26.3%

Carbs: 39.3%