If you’re searching for a cozy, satisfying meal that calls for minimal cleanup but delivers big on comfort and flavor, look no further: One Pot Chicken and Rice is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender bites of chicken nestled in fluffy, seasoned rice, with pops of sweet peas and a dusting of fresh herbs—all cooked together in a single pan. It’s pure kitchen magic that pleases everyone at the table, and the kind of dish you’ll want to put on repeat.

One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves that you don’t need a mile-long ingredient list to get incredible results. Every item here plays a unique role, adding tenderness, savoriness, or pops of vibrant color to your One Pot Chicken and Rice.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 lb, cut into chunks): Opt for thighs for richer flavor and juiciness, but breasts work great for a leaner bite.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the chicken brown and adds subtle richness to the base of your dish.
Onion, diced (1 small): Sweetens as it cooks, providing aromatic depth throughout the rice.
Garlic cloves, minced (3): Adds a punch of flavor that infuses every spoonful.
Long grain white rice (1 cup): This classic choice fluffs up perfectly without turning mushy.
Chicken broth (2 1/4 cups): Infuses the rice with savoriness and keeps every bite tender.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Offers gentle warmth and a gorgeous hue to your One Pot Chicken and Rice.
Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Adds herby depth that’s cozy and familiar.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the best in every ingredient.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Balances out the flavors with a little subtle heat.
Frozen peas (1 cup, optional): Stirred in at the end for pops of color and sweet freshness.
Chopped fresh parsley (1/4 cup, for garnish): Brightens up the finished dish beautifully.

How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces right into the hot oil, seasoning them immediately with your salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Give them about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden on the outside—don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked yet, as they’ll finish up with the rice later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Once your chicken has a lovely golden color, add the diced onion and minced garlic straight into the pot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become soft and translucent and your kitchen is filled with the delicious aroma of garlicky goodness.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Sprinkle the uncooked long grain white rice into the pan, stirring well so it mingles with the chicken and aromatics. Toast the rice for 1–2 minutes—this step deepens its flavor and keeps the grains distinct and fluffy in the final dish.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of your pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes. The rice will soak up the broth, turning tender and delicious while the chicken cooks through completely.

Step 5: Stir in the Peas and Rest

Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, take the pot off the heat. Give the frozen peas a quick stir into the rice, cover, and let the whole thing rest for 5 minutes. This gives the peas just enough time to cook and stay vibrantly green—no mushy veggies here!

Step 6: Fluff and Garnish

With a fork, gently fluff the One Pot Chicken and Rice, making sure the chicken, rice, and peas are all evenly mixed. Shower with plenty of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness before bringing it to the table.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

To take your One Pot Chicken and Rice over the top, sprinkle on lots of chopped fresh parsley. For even more flavor, try a squeeze of lemon juice or a light dusting of extra paprika just before serving—each adds a lovely layer of brightness to the dish.

Side Dishes

This meal already packs a punch with protein and veggies, but if you want to round out dinner, serve it alongside a crisp green salad, a simple cucumber yogurt salad, or even roasted carrots. A hunk of crusty bread is also wonderful for soaking up the last bits of rice.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping the One Pot Chicken and Rice into oven-safe bowls, topping with grated cheese, and giving it a quick broil for a bubbly, golden finish. Or, serve it family-style straight from the pot for a rustic, homey feel—let everyone dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Chicken and Rice keeps beautifully. Transfer cooled portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen even more as it sits, making the next-day servings super satisfying.

Freezing

If you’d like to stash some away for another busy night, allow the dish to cool completely, then freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. The rice may soften a bit, but the overall flavor still shines through.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings of One Pot Chicken and Rice in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. If you’re reheating a larger batch, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a little extra liquid as needed.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a great alternative, though you’ll need to increase the amount of broth and cook for an extra 15–20 minutes or until the rice becomes tender. Keep an eye on the liquid level and add more if needed.

What vegetables can I add to One Pot Chicken and Rice?

This dish is super flexible—feel free to toss in diced carrots, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach along with the peas for more color and nutrition. Just be sure to add sturdier veggies earlier in the cooking time, so they have a chance to soften up.

How can I add extra flavor?

Try swapping regular chicken broth for a homemade stock, or stir in a splash of white wine with the broth for more depth. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan at the table really elevates the overall richness too!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, One Pot Chicken and Rice is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth doesn’t include any sneaky gluten. Always double-check labels if you’re sensitive or cooking for someone who is.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Certainly! One Pot Chicken and Rice is perfect for meal prep. Prepare the dish in advance, portion into containers, and store in the fridge. It reheats beautifully for easy lunches or speedy dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Give this One Pot Chicken and Rice a try the next time you crave a cozy, fuss-free meal that brings everyone running to the table. With easy prep, comforting flavors, and minimal dishes, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen too. Don’t be surprised if it wins you a few new fans!

One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken cooked with fragrant rice, herbs, and a hint of paprika, all in one pot for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into chunks)

Seasonings:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion (diced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

1 cup long grain white rice
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Brown chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and softened.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in rice to toast, then pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until rice is tender.
Finish Dish: Stir in peas, cover, and let sit off heat. Fluff with a fork, garnish with parsley, and serve.