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Recipe

Easy Whole Chicken Dinner (One-Pan Meal)

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Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken roasted over fluffy, flavorful rice with vegetables. Everything comes together with minimal preparation and cleanup!
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Ingredients

  • Basmati Rice
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2–3 chicken bouillon cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • Dash of cumin
  • 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • Seasoned Whole Chicken
  • 1 whole chicken
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 tablespoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon seasoning salt
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the Basmati Rice

  • Wash and rinse the basmati rice several times until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps keep the rice fluffy instead of sticky.
  • Drain the rice well and place it into a large, deep oven-safe baking tray.
  • Add the salt, freshly cracked black pepper, chicken bouillon cubes, seasoning salt, turmeric, cumin, and butter or ghee.
  • Pour in 3 cups of water and mix everything gently until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Make sure the bouillon cubes are dissolved. Using warm water makes this easier.
  • Add the frozen mixed vegetables and spread them evenly throughout the rice.
  • Cover the baking tray tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam. Keep the foil intact while the rice cooks so the moisture stays inside.

Prepare the Whole Chicken

  • Place the whole chicken on a clean cutting board and remove any giblets from the cavity.
  • Using kitchen shears, carefully cut along both sides of the backbone and remove it.
  • Turn the chicken breast-side up and press firmly on the breastbone to flatten it. This method is called spatchcocking, and it helps the chicken cook more evenly.
  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  • In a small bowl, combine the cumin, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, seasoning salt, and extra virgin olive oil.
  • Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat both sides and underneath the wings and legs.

Bake the Chicken and Rice

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Place an oven-safe roasting rack over the tightly covered rice tray, making sure it is stable and can support the chicken.
  • Place the seasoned, flattened chicken on the rack, breast-side up, directly above the rice.
  • Transfer the tray carefully into the preheated oven.
  • Roast for approximately 1–1 1/2 hours, depending on the size of your chicken. Check the rice earlier, around 35–45 minutes, because it may finish before the chicken. Carefully remove the hot tray and check whether the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. If the rice is ready, keep it covered and warm while the chicken finishes cooking separately.
  • Continue roasting the chicken until the skin is beautifully golden and crispy and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast and thigh reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for approximately 10 minutes before cutting.
  • Carefully remove the aluminum foil from the rice, keeping your face and hands away from the hot steam.
  • Fluff the rice gently with a fork, arrange the roasted chicken over the rice, and serve!

Connie’s notes

  • Spatchcock your chicken. Flattening the chicken helps it roast evenly and allows more of the skin to become golden and crispy.
  • Rinse your rice thoroughly. Removing excess starch is one of the secrets to fluffy basmati rice. Always rinse until the water runs almost clear.
  • Use ghee for extra flavor. I love using ghee in Middle Eastern cooking because it gives the rice a delicious buttery aroma and richness.
  • Don’t skip the turmeric. Turmeric gives your rice a beautiful golden color and adds a warm, earthy flavor without overpowering the dish.
  • Adjust the salt carefully. Chicken bouillon and seasoning salt already contain sodium, so taste your seasoning mixture and adjust accordingly before adding it to the raw chicken.
  • Use your favorite vegetables. Frozen carrots, peas, corn, and green beans work beautifully. There’s no need to thaw them before adding them to the rice.
  • Keep the rice covered. The steam helps cook the rice evenly. Avoid poking holes in the aluminum foil because too much escaping steam can dry out the rice.
  • Make sure your chicken gets crispy. Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps the skin roast beautifully instead of steaming.
  • Check the chicken’s temperature. Every oven and chicken size is different. Always use a meat thermometer rather than relying on cooking time alone.
  • Let your chicken rest. Allowing the chicken to rest for approximately 10 minutes before carving helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
  • Prepare everything ahead of time. You can season the chicken the night before and refrigerate it in a covered container. This allows the flavors to develop and makes dinner preparation even easier.
  • Store leftovers properly. Refrigerate leftover chicken and rice in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking and enjoy within 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • My favorite cooking tip: One of my favorite things about this recipe is that you don’t need complicated ingredients to create a delicious homemade dinner. The combination of simple seasonings, fresh chicken, basmati rice, and vegetables creates so much flavor.
  • For the best results, use a deep baking tray with enough room for the rice to cook evenly.
  • Since rice and chicken can have different cooking times, always check them separately to prevent overcooking.
  • I also love serving this meal with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad, a little yogurt, or a squeeze of lemon for some extra freshness.
  • This is exactly the kind of meal I love preparing for my family. Simple ingredients, delicious flavors, and a comforting homemade dinner that brings everyone together around the table.
  • Sometimes the best meals aren’t the fanciest ones. They’re the ones made with love that bring the whole family together.
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