Easy Chicken and Rice

Directions

1. 1
   To make the brine combine 1 qt cold water and 1/4 cup salt in a 2 qt or larger bowl or pitcher.
2. 2
   Stir to dissolve the salt.
3. 3
   Add the chicken thighs to the brine and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
4. 4
   Drain the chicken and either use immediately or store covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
5. 5
   Dry the chicken.
6. 6
   Trim any excess skin and remove the fat on top and between the muscles on the underside.
7. 7
   Season heavily with pepper on both sides, pulling back the skin to season the top.
8. 8
   Season with salt heavily if unbrined.
9. 9
   Heat a heavy pot to medium and brown the chicken skin side down until dark brown.
10. 10
    Lightly brown the underside of the chicken.
11. 11
    Remove the chicken from the pot and pour off all but 1/2 T of the grease from the pot.
12. 12
    Remove the skin and any remaining fat from the chicken.
13. 13
    Wrap each thigh in paper towels and squeeze to degrease.
14. 14
    With the pot on medium, add the onion and sautee until softened.
15. 15
    If needed, add 1/4 cup water if the fond (the brown bits on the pan bottom) begins to burn.
16. 16
    Add the water or stock and deglaze the pan.
17. 17
    Add the rice.
18. 18
    Nestle the chicken, face up, into the rice and water.
19. 19
    Bring to a simmer.
20. 20
    Add the thyme.
21. 21
    Turn the chicken over about half way through cooking.
22. 22
    Simmer covered until the rice is tender, about 40 minutes.
23. 23
    Add the salt to taste and gently stir.
24. 24
    Serve with a whole thigh angled on top of a bed of rice.
25. 25
    Sprinkle with chopped fresh thyme if desired.
26. 26
    With any leftovers I shred the chicken into large pieces and mix with the rice.