If you’re dreaming of a hearty, fuss-free dinner that leaves you with minimal cleanup and maximum comfort, let me introduce you to my favorite fix for busy weeknights: One Pot Chicken and Rice. This dish brings together juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and tender vegetables in a single, magical pot, creating a cozy meal the whole family will crave. With bright pops of parsley and a gentle warmth from spices, it’s as flavorful as it is simple—plus, you’ll love that it only takes about 35 minutes from start to finish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of One Pot Chicken and Rice lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each item plays a part: building layers of savory, aromatic flavor, adding a pop of veggie freshness, or bringing color and garnish to the table. Let’s get to know what you’ll need—and why it matters.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 pound): Choose your favorite cut for either rich flavor (thighs) or a leaner bite (breasts); cut them into generous chunks for juicy results.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Lends a savory base for sautéing and helps everything brown beautifully.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Provides sweetness and a savory backbone to the whole dish.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Delivers that irresistible, aromatic kick no comfort meal should be without.
- Long-grain white rice, rinsed (1 cup): Rinsing helps ensure the grains don’t clump—perfectly fluffy rice awaits!
- Chicken broth (2 1/4 cups): Cooks the rice and infuses every bite with deep, savory flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Seasoning is everything! Salt brings balance and brings out all the nuanced flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and helps season the chicken and rice throughout.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings color and a whisper of smokiness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Turmeric, optional (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch gives the rice a beautiful golden hue and subtle earthy flavor.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): Their sweetness pops against the savory backdrop, and their color brightens the dish.
- Chopped carrots (1/2 cup): For little bites of color, sweetness, and tender crunch—carrots are a must!
- Chopped parsley (2 tablespoons, for garnish): Fresh parsley livens up the finished meal with herby brightness.
- Lemon wedges (optional): A final squeeze brings a zesty lift to every serving and cuts through the richness.
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika, then let them sear for 3–4 minutes per side. You want a light golden brown on both sides but no need to cook them through just yet—this step locks in flavor and gives that irresistible color. Remove the chicken and set aside; you’ll add it back soon!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan (don’t wipe it out, all those yummy brown bits are flavor gold!), add your diced onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, letting it soften and pick up that savory fond. Toss in the garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds until fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing right about now!
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Stir in your rinsed long-grain rice and, if you’re using it, turmeric. Coating the rice in the onion-garlic mixture and olive oil lets each grain soak up the aromatics. It’s a little trick that makes the finished One Pot Chicken and Rice extra flavorful and keeps the rice from being sticky.
Step 4: Add Liquid and Simmer
Pour in your chicken broth and give everything a good stir, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then return the seared chicken to the pot, nestling the pieces into the rice. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let it all cook gently for about 18–20 minutes. The rice soaks up the flavorful broth and the chicken turns beautifully tender.
Step 5: Steam the Veggies
With about 5 minutes left, scatter the frozen peas and chopped carrots evenly over the top. Pop the lid back on so they steam gently—no need to stir! This keeps the veggies vibrant and just-soft, with a touch of crispness that’s perfect with the rice.
Step 6: Rest, Fluff, and Finish
Once the rice is tender and everything smells irresistible, take the pot off the heat but leave it covered for 5 minutes. This quick rest ensures the rice is fluffy and absorbs any last bits of steam. Fluff with a fork, stir in the parsley, and serve with lemon wedges if you want a fresh, zesty finish!
How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Rice
Garnishes
Garnishes don’t just make your One Pot Chicken and Rice look gorgeous—they add flavor and freshness to every bite. Try a generous shower of chopped parsley, a dash of extra black pepper, and offer lemon wedges for anyone who loves a pop of citrus brightness!
Side Dishes
Honestly, this dish is so satisfying on its own, you don’t need much else! But if you want a little extra, serve with a fresh green salad, crunchy cucumber slices, or a few slices of toasty bread to soak up any saucy goodness. A dollop of tangy plain yogurt also works wonders alongside the warm rice!
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation game by serving One Pot Chicken and Rice family-style right from the pot—rustic and inviting. Or, for something a little different, spoon it into shallow bowls and top with extra parsley, chili flakes, or even a swirl of garlic yogurt. For an easy packed lunch, portion into meal-prep containers with a lemon wedge tucked on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your One Pot Chicken and Rice tasting fresh, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, it will stay flavorful and safe to eat for up to 4 days—a real time-saver for busy weeks!
Freezing
This dish also freezes beautifully. Once cooled, pack individual or family-sized portions into freezer bags or containers. Label with the date, and keep them for up to 2–3 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat One Pot Chicken and Rice, place it in a skillet or microwave-safe dish and sprinkle a splash of broth or water over the top to keep things moist. Cover loosely and heat until steaming and hot all the way through; a gentle stir halfway through helps everything cook evenly.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice offers a nutty flavor and extra nutrition, but it does take longer to cook—usually 35–40 minutes total. You’ll also want to increase the chicken broth by about 1/2–3/4 cup to compensate for the extra absorption time.
What other vegetables can I add?
One Pot Chicken and Rice is super flexible. Try swapping in bell peppers, chopped spinach, zucchini, or even a handful of corn. Just remember, some heartier veggies might need to be added a little earlier so they cook through.
Will this work with bone-in chicken?
Bone-in chicken adds even more flavor but will require longer simmering (up to 35 minutes). Sear as directed, then simmer covered with the rice until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear. You may need to add extra broth if the rice starts to dry.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, One Pot Chicken and Rice is a fantastic make-ahead recipe. Just follow the instructions, store as described, and reheat gently when ready to serve. The flavors are sometimes even better the next day!
How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
Rinsing the rice before cooking helps keep it fluffy, and being careful with liquid ratios is key. Resist the urge to stir too much during cooking, and let the dish rest at the end before fluffing for perfect, separated grains.
Final Thoughts
Give this One Pot Chicken and Rice a try the next time you want a cozy, fuss-free meal that still delivers big on taste. It’s a go-to favorite I keep coming back to for good reason—simple to make, easy to love, and perfect for sharing. I hope it becomes a staple for you and your loved ones too!
