Why You’ll Love One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

This One-Pot Chicken and Rice is the ultimate convenience meal—minimal effort with maximum flavor. The chicken cooks to perfection, infusing the rice with its savory juices, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and filling. Plus, the one-pot method means easy cleanup, making it a great option for busy days. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe will become a go-to favorite.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
3 cups chicken broth
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano.
Add the chicken to the pot and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat with the onion and garlic mixture.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and return the chicken to the pot, placing it on top of the rice.
Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Remove the chicken from the pot, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
Total Time: 10 minutes prep time, 30 minutes cook time.

Variations

Vegetables: Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for more color and flavor. Stir them in with the rice for extra nutrition.
Spices: Experiment with spices like cumin, turmeric, or curry powder for a unique twist on the traditional flavor.
Chicken Thighs: For extra richness, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of breasts.
Rice Substitutes: Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly (brown rice will need more cooking time).

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover One-Pot Chicken and Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to use fresh or thawed chicken, as frozen chicken will release more water during cooking, which could affect the rice’s texture.

2. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice or basmati rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice will require more liquid and a longer cooking time, while basmati cooks faster.

3. Can I make this dish in the slow cooker?

Yes, this recipe can be adapted for the slow cooker. Add the rice, broth, and seasonings, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.

4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option and will provide a more flavorful dish due to their higher fat content.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers. Add them in with the rice to cook them through or stir them in after the rice has finished cooking.

6. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (75°C).

7. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this dish.

8. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

9. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it thoroughly before serving.

10. What can I serve with this dish?

This One-Pot Chicken and Rice is a complete meal, but you can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for extra sides.

Conclusion

One-Pot Chicken and Rice is a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any busy weeknight. With just a handful of ingredients and one pan, you can create a comforting dish that the whole family will love. Easy to prepare, easy to clean up, and full of flavor, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking rotation.

One-Pot Chicken and Rice

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This One-Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is the perfect solution for a simple, comforting, and delicious meal. With juicy chicken and flavorful rice cooked together in one pot, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s full of flavor and minimal cleanup.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
Add the chicken to the pot and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened, about 2 minutes.
Add the rice and stir for about 1 minute to toast it slightly.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Place the chicken back into the pot on top of the rice.
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

You can substitute bone-in chicken pieces, but be sure to increase the cooking time.
For a burst of extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Feel free to customize with vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers.