I will start by saying that one of my favorite aspects of this dish is that you get a 2 in 1: a lean protein and a side dish. Chicken and rice are long time BFF's and when they get together everything just seems right. I mean seriously! Name a better duo, i'll wait. This meal will far exceed your expectations and has all of the flavors of a Thanksgiving Turkey without all of the work.

This one pot wonder meal might just be your saving grace if you are in a pinch. Pan seared chicken thighs and breasts that get rubbed with a triple herb mixture and stuffed with butter cubes make for the ultimate flavor combination. Then, you add them to the pot with plenty of fresh vegetables, a nutty wild rice mixture, savory broth and fresh squeezed orange juice for some added zesty flavor. The only thing that is left to do is to press start and sip on your favorite zinfandel while you wait.

When it comes to the chicken I like to use skin on chicken for this recipe for two reasons: one, it closely resembles a turkey and two, I like being able to stuff and rub the inside and the outside with the herb mixture and butter to maximize the flavor. I use a fresh triple herb mixture that consists of rosemary, oregano and sage that I finely mince and chop then mix together. Then, the herbs get rubbed on the outside of the chicken and the inside. Finally, I stuff the inside with tiny little butter cubes. So, when you pan sear them all of that herby buttery flavor gets cooked directly into the chicken. My mouth is literally watering as I wrote this for you!

Now, you will know this recipe is done when all of the liquid and juices have cooked into the rice and vegetables and there is none left. This could take anywhere from 3 hours to 4 if you are cooking on high. But, I will say this is more of a 3 hour slow cooker recipe because your chicken has already been pre-cooked and seared from the start. But, during this cooking process the rice and vegetables will cook with the juices and broth. So, when there is little to none left, it's done!

I don’t know about you, but a meal that qualifies as easy, hearty and more importantly cozy is always a yes in my book! Plus this is that type of meal that will leave you satisfied, yet with just enough wiggle room to squeeze in some of those pies, cookies or brownies that you’ve had your eye on all night.

Did you make this? If so, make sure to tag and follow @prettyplatebymichelle on instagram or leave a comment below and let me know what you thought! I  love to see your Pretty Plate and hear from you!