Print

Classic Serbian Rice with Meat – Simple Weeknight Comfort

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A healthy, comforting one-pot Serbian rice dish made with tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and fragrant spices — perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed

  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 2 bell peppers, chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 carrot, diced (optional)

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1 cup chopped fresh tomato

  • 2 tsp sweet paprika

  • 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 bay leaf

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pot. Sear chicken until golden, then set aside.

  2. In the same pot, sauté onions, peppers, and carrots until softened.

  3. Stir in garlic, rice, paprika, and tomato paste. Toast for 2 minutes.

  4. Add broth and bay leaf. Return chicken to the pot.

  5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 18–20 minutes.

  6. Remove from heat, let sit 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Notes:

Notes

  • Use brown rice for a whole-grain version.

  • Swap chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

  • Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Find it online: https://yumnexio.com/classic-serbian-rice-with-meat-simple-weeknight-comfort/