At Home Recipes – Easy 30-Minute Family Dinner

I've been making this dish for my family for years, and it's always a hit. It's the perfect weeknight meal when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

The secret is in the simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients. You probably have most of them in your pantry right now.

Let's get cooking!

About the Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly. You can substitute with thighs for more juiciness, or use tofu for a vegetarian version.

2 tablespoons olive oil

Use extra-virgin olive oil for best flavor. You can use any neutral oil like canola if needed.

1 medium onion, diced

Yellow or sweet onion works well. Shallots are a milder substitute.

3 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is key, but you can use 1 teaspoon garlic powder if in a pinch.

1 red bell pepper, sliced

Adds color and sweetness. Any color bell pepper works, or use a cup of frozen peppers.

1 cup (185g) long-grain white rice

Basmati or jasmine rice also work. For a healthier option, use brown rice (adjust cooking time).

2 cups (480ml) chicken broth

Low-sodium broth is best to control salt. Vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Adds a smoky depth. Regular paprika is fine, or use chili powder for heat.

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Italian seasoning can be substituted.

1/2 teaspoon salt

Adjust to taste, especially if using regular broth.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground is best.

1 cup (150g) frozen peas

Adds a pop of green and sweetness. You can use canned peas, drained, or skip if you prefer.

Tips & Tricks

Don't skip browning the chicken

It adds flavor and ensures the chicken is cooked through.

Let the rice rest after cooking

Fluff with a fork and let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.

• Use a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season and Sear Chicken

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and red bell pepper, cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Toast the Rice

Add rice to the skillet and stir to coat with oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted.

4. Add Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in chicken broth, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

5. Return Chicken and Simmer

Nestle the chicken back into the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

6. Add Peas and Rest

Stir in frozen peas, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes off the heat. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Delicious Variations

Protein

Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage. Cook shrimp for only 3-4 minutes.

Vegetarian

Use vegetable broth and add chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken.

Spicy

Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the bell pepper.

How to Store At Home Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

Give this At Home Recipes a try tonight and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Don't forget to share your own twists!

At Home Recipes

At Home Recipes is a quick, one-pan dinner that brings restaurant flavor to your kitchen in 30 minutes.

★★★★½ 4.7 (156 ratings)

10 minPrep time25 minCook time4Servings385 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup (185g) long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas

📋 Instructions

1. 1Season and Sear Chicken — Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
2. 2Sauté Aromatics — In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and red bell pepper, cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. 3Toast the Rice — Add rice to the skillet and stir to coat with oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted.
4. 4Add Liquids and Seasonings — Pour in chicken broth, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. 5Return Chicken and Simmer — Nestle the chicken back into the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. 6Add Peas and Rest — Stir in frozen peas, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes off the heat. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For extra flavor, garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Servings: 4

Cuisine: American

Course: Dinner

Nutrition (per serving): 385 kcal · 30g protein · 45g carbs · 9g fat

Written by Ethan Nguyen
Ethan writes about tech productivity and digital tools, focusing on how to streamline workflows without overcomplicating. He tests apps and gadgets in his daily life and shares what actually works.