METHOD
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meat
Add the chicken thighs to a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and set aside.
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sear the meat
Place a large cast iron (or other oven-safe) pan over medium heat. Add the oil and chicken thighs skin side down to the pan. Sear the meat for 3 - 4 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy. Transfer to a plate and continue cooking in the same pan.
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vegetables
Remove the seeds from the bell peppers and cut them into small cubes. Peel the onion and dice it. Place the same cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 2 - 3 minutes. Cut the tomatoes into small cubes and cook for 3 minutes. Add the Vegeta basil and garlic paste, or use pesto genovese and minced garlic. Stir to combine. Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 190 °C or 375 °F.
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rice
Add the rice to the vegetables in the pan. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the white wine and canned whole peeled tomatoes. Stir and cook for 3 minutes for the alcohol to evaporate. Pour in water and bring to a boil. Add the seared chicken on top (with the skin side up) and remove from the heat. Cover with a sheet of parchment paper and a sheet of aluminium foil.
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bake
Place the One Pot Chicken and Rice in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 - 50 minutes at 190 °C or 375 °F. Remove the dish from the heat and sprinkle with fresh basil or chopped parsley before serving.