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A close-up of a one-pan chicken thigh recipe with seasoned rice and wilted kale, garnished with parsley.

One-Pan Chicken Thigh Recipes (Minimal Cleanup)

This recipe offers a delicious and easy way to prepare chicken thighs with minimal cleanup. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without the fuss of washing multiple dishes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs about 6 thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Rice and Kale
  • 1/2 large yellow onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup jasmine rice rinsed (see note)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup canned full-fat canned coconut milk shake the can well before measuring
  • 1 juice of lemon
  • 3 cups shredded kale packed, stems and mid-ribs removed (about 4 ½ ounces)
  • 1/3 cup fresh chopped parsley

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large deep ovenproof skillet or pot
  • Small bowl
  • Paper towel
  • Plate
  • Fine-mesh sieve

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Combine the oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and evenly season both sides with the herb/spice mixture.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large deep ovenproof skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown on the outside, but not quite cooked through on the inside, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the onion and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion and garlic are translucent and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
  5. Add the rice and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chicken broth, coconut milk, lemon juice, and a big pinch of salt and stir to combine. Add the kale, mix well, and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Place the chicken on top and transfer to the oven.
  6. Bake uncovered until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fluffy, 15 to 20 minutes.
  7. Serve the chicken thighs and rice on plates or in shallow bowls and garnish with the parsley.

Notes

To rinse rice, add the rice to a fine-mesh sieve and run under cold water for about 30 seconds. Let the water drain thoroughly, then gently shake the sieve to remove any remaining water. Cooking rice in less starchy water improves the texture, making it fluffy and less prone to sticking.

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