One Pot Chicken and Rice Delicious, simple, and bursting with flavor, this One Pot Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, leaving you feeling full and satisfied. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this recipe is made in a single pot for easy clean-up, and packed with juicy, tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a blend of rich, flavorful seasonings. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and delivers incredible results every time. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite go-to meal that the entire family will request again and again!
This one-pot wonder makes dinnertime a breeze and helps to reduce the pile of dishes, which is always a bonus. Each bite of this dish is infused with a delicious mix of savory spices and fresh ingredients, creating an aromatic experience that lingers in the kitchen and tantalizes the senses. The combination of juicy chicken thighs and perfectly seasoned rice means that this meal checks all the boxes: protein-packed, wholesome, and absolutely mouthwatering.
Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or just meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile enough to meet your needs. Plus, it’s easy to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste. Get ready to enjoy an effortlessly delicious dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Comforting: Every bite is packed with warm, comforting flavors that satisfy your taste buds and soul, making it perfect for cold evenings or whenever you need a cozy meal.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need for this recipe in your kitchen, meaning no extra trips to the grocery store! Plus, the ingredients are budget-friendly and easily accessible.
- One Pot Wonder: Less time cleaning and more time enjoying—all the magic happens in just one pot. The ease of cooking and cleaning up makes it a true lifesaver for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Quick Prep: A no-fuss dinner that takes only 10 minutes of prep before it cooks itself to perfection. This means you have more time to relax while the flavors meld together on the stovetop.
- Nutritious and Balanced: This dish provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients, making it a well-rounded option for a nourishing meal.
One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe Ingredients:
- Chicken Thighs: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (for the best flavor and moisture retention)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, divided (used to brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables)
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped (adds depth and a hint of sweetness)
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (provides an aromatic boost that enhances the overall flavor)
- Carrots: 2 medium carrots, diced (adds a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color)
- Bell Pepper: 1 red bell pepper, diced (for a pop of color and a subtle sweetness)
- Long Grain Rice: 1 cup (basmati or jasmine works well; these types of rice maintain a great texture when cooked)
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups (for flavor-packed, tender rice)
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons (helps to create a rich, flavorful base)
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon (adds smokiness and warmth to the dish)
- Turmeric: 1/2 teaspoon (enhances the color of the rice and provides a subtle earthy flavor)
- Salt & Pepper: To taste (season according to your preference)
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (adds freshness and a burst of color)
Optional Mix-Ins
- Green Peas: Add at the end of cooking for extra sweetness and a pop of green color.
- Corn Kernels: Sweet corn adds a lovely crunch and another layer of flavor.
- A Pinch of Cayenne: For those who like a bit of heat, cayenne will add a nice spicy kick.
- Zucchini or Spinach: Stir in zucchini or fresh spinach towards the end for extra nutrition.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika to bring out their natural flavor and create a delicious crust when browned.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes to seal in the juices. Remove the chicken and set it aside. Browning the chicken first helps to develop a deeper flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onions for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. Add the garlic, carrots, and bell pepper, and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add the Rice: Stir in the tomato paste, rice, turmeric, and a bit of salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes until the rice become coated and slightly toasted. This step helps the rice absorb the flavors from the spices and the tomato paste, creating a rich, aromatic base.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine everything well. Nestle the browned chicken thighs into the rice mixture, ensuring the chicken is partially submerged. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. The gentle simmering allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Rest and Garnish: Let the pot rest for 5 minutes before uncovering. This resting period helps the rice absorb any remaining moisture and ensures an even texture. Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the chicken thighs alongside the fragrant rice mixture and enjoy every comforting bite. The tender, juicy chicken paired with perfectly seasoned rice makes for an irresistible meal.
Expert Tips
- Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs add more flavor and help keep the chicken moist throughout the cooking process. If you prefer, you can remove the skin after cooking to reduce the fat content.
- Don’t Lift the Lid: While the rice cooks, resist the urge to lift the lid! Lifting the lid lets out steam, which is crucial for cooking the rice evenly.
- Broth Instead of Water: Using chicken broth instead of water gives the rice an extra layer of flavor that makes a big difference. You may use vegetable broth if you like a lighter taste.
- To Crisp the Skin: If you like crispy skin, you can broil the chicken thighs for an extra minute or two at the end of cooking. Just pop the entire pot under the broiler, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Make It Your Own: Add peas, corn, or extra spices to customize the flavor. You could even add a dash of cumin or smoked paprika for a different twist.
Storing + Reheating
- To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen as they sit, making leftovers even tastier!
- To Reheat: Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to bring back moisture. Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe container until warmed through. To prevent the chicken from drying out, cover it with a damp paper towel while reheating.
- To Freeze: Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping or saving for a rainy day when you need a comforting meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with rice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 3mg
FAQs
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
- Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out more easily than thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make this dish in advance?
- Absolutely! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors develop even more overnight, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may require additional broth. You may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the brown rice becomes tender.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free and gluten-free?
- This dish is already dairy-free and gluten-free, as long as the chicken broth you use is gluten-free. Always double-check the labels on store-bought broth to ensure no hidden gluten.
- Can I add other vegetables to One Pot Chicken and Rice recipe?
- Of course! Feel free to add veggies like peas, zucchini, or even spinach towards the end for more nutrition. This is a great way to use up any vegetables you have on hand and make the dish even more wholesome