Lunch/dinner Recipe

Cook rice

Rinse 1 cup rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rinsed rice and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes (or according to package) until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, 5 minutes; fluff with a fork before serving.

Prepare chicken

Pat 1 lb chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.

Make sauce

In a small bowl combine 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp dijon mustard. Stir until honey is dissolved. Reserve 2 tbsp of this mixture for finishing and set aside.

Cook chicken

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add seasoned chicken thighs and sear 4–5 minutes per side until deeply browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to rest for 5 minutes.

Sauté aromatics

Reduce heat to medium and add the sliced onion to the same skillet. If pan looks dry, add 1 tsp olive oil. Sauté onion 3–4 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

Cook vegetables

Add sliced bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté 4–5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp. Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook 1–2 minutes until they begin to soften.

Combine with sauce

Return the chicken to the skillet nestling it among the vegetables. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken and vegetables, add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and simmer 1–2 minutes so flavors meld and sauce slightly thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or soy sauce as needed.

Slice or leave the thighs whole. Spoon cooked rice onto plates, top with chicken and sautéed vegetables. Drizzle the reserved 2 tbsp sauce over each serving, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped parsley and an optional 1 tsp olive oil drizzle.