1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and half the oregano and thyme.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add onion and mushrooms. Cook until softened and slightly browned. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the Rice & Liquid
Stir in rice and toast for 1 minute. Add chicken broth, remaining herbs, and cherry tomatoes. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan (this is where the flavor is!).
5. Simmer Everything Together
Nestle the chicken pieces back into the rice mixture, skin-side up. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
6. Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat, fluff the rice, and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Use bone-in chicken – It keeps the meat juicy and adds depth of flavor to the rice.
- Don’t rush the sear – Crispy chicken skin = more texture and flavor.
- Adjust herbs – Fresh thyme or rosemary makes this dish even more aromatic.
- Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, but canned diced tomatoes work in a pinch.
Fun Variations
- Creamy Version – Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
- Mediterranean Twist – Add olives, artichokes, or a crumble of feta cheese.
- Vegetarian Option – Skip chicken and add zucchini, spinach, and extra mushrooms.
What to Serve With Garlic Herb Chicken & Rice
This one-pan dish is hearty enough on its own, but you can round it out with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls.
- Roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.
Why This Recipe Will Be a Go-To
Garlic Herb Chicken with Rice, Mushrooms & Tomatoes is the kind of recipe that feels like comfort food yet still light and wholesome. The chicken is juicy, the rice is flavorful, and the veggies bring freshness and texture. It’s a dish you can make for your family again and again, and no one will get tired of it.
It’s not just a meal—it’s a complete, satisfying experience in one skillet.
Final Thought: For a dinner that’s flavorful, comforting, and wonderfully simple, this Garlic Herb Chicken with Rice, Mushrooms & Tomatoes delivers every time. Juicy chicken, aromatic herbs, hearty rice, and fresh veggies—it’s comfort food made easy.