Delicious and comforting one-pan meal featuring stuffed chicken thighs alongside seasoned cauliflower. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Author:maya
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 5 minutes
Yield:6-8 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Rice:
1 cup dry jasmine rice, un-rinsed
1 ¾ cups water
½ teaspoon salt
Vegetables:
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 medium carrots, grated on the large holes
1 medium onion, finely diced
4 oz medium cheddar cheese, grated on large holes
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chicken and Cauliflower:
6 to 8 medium boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 head cauliflower, cut into large florets
Instructions
Prep: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 ¾ cups water to a boil. Add ½ teaspoon salt and the dry jasmine rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and keep covered.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the grated carrots and finely diced onion, seasoning with ½ teaspoon salt. Sauté for 8-9 minutes until the vegetables are soft and golden brown.
Prepare the Rice Mixture: Stir the grated cheddar cheese into the cooked rice, followed by the sautéed carrots and onions. Mix well and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap on a cutting board and pound them until they are about ⅛ inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Stuff the Chicken: Lay the chicken thighs smooth-side down. Create small rice balls with your hands and place them over the center of each chicken thigh. Wrap the chicken around the rice and secure each thigh with 2 toothpicks.
Prepare the Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Push the cauliflower to the edges of the baking sheet.
Bake: Place the stuffed chicken thighs in the center of the baking sheet. Drizzle the chicken with a little more olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown.
Notes
Make sure the chicken thighs are pounded evenly for even cooking.
Feel free to add herbs or spices to the rice mixture for extra flavor.
Check the chicken for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 stuffed chicken thigh with cauliflower