One Pot Chicken and Rice

Between shoots, edit sessions, and writing material, a content creator’s schedule is pretty packed, and I often can’t afford to spend hours in the kitchen cooking some elaborated dishes. In fact, that is why easy one-pot dishes—like this One Pot Chicken and Rice—have become my go-to. This is the perfect recipe for quick hearty flavorful meals without all the hassle. It’s a simple, scrumptious option for any night of the week, and everything cooks in one pan. Be it an easy chicken and rice dinner or the best one-pot chicken and rice recipe, this dish is a lifesaver on nights when time is tight but the desire for tastiness and nutrition doesn’t lag behind.

❤️ Why You’ll Love One Pot Chicken and Rice

• Easy to make: To make this chicken and recipe dish, you only need a pan, which means less cooking and cleaning!
• Quick & Delicious: Ready in just few minutes, full of flavor—exactly what you need on busy days.
• Family-Friendly: Everybody loves chicken and rice, even kids, so it’s great for the whole family!
• Healthy & Filling: Packed with protein, carbs and veggies to keep you full and energized.
• Perfect for Busy Days: This is a one-pot meal for those of us who are busy, like me, and don’t have much time.
• Easy to adapt: You can use any part of the chicken, different kinds of rice and your favorite vegetables. So you can make this dish exactly how you and your family love it.

🛒 Ingredients for One Pot Chicken and Rice

• Olive oil: Used for cooking, adding flavor, and preventing sticking.
• Chicken thighs: The main protein source, providing flavor and texture.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the taste.
• Onion: Adds sweetness, flavor, and aroma to the dish.
• Mushrooms: Contribute earthy flavor, texture, and additional nutrients.
• Basmati rice: A long-grain rice variety known for its fluffy texture and distinct flavor.
• Water or chicken stock: The liquid medium that cooks the rice and creates a flavorful sauce.
• Parsley or coriander: Used as a garnish for freshness and added flavor.
• Oregano or thyme: Herbs that contribute a savory, slightly bitter flavor.
• Peas: Add sweetness, color, and nutritional value.
• Paprika: A ground spice that provides a mild, smoky flavor.
• Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that adds depth to the dish.

🤌 How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Rice

This is one of the simplest recipes, One-Pan Chicken and Rice. First, in a large skillet, the chicken needs to be browned, then removed; thereafter, onions, garlic, and spices can be sautéed in that same pan, giving it that extra oompf in flavor. Then comes the rice, followed by broth or water, and let it simmer until the rice cooks. Then you put the chicken back into it and let everything cook together until it is ready; that is it! One pan, easy steps, and a delicious meal.

🪄 Tips and Tricks

• Sear the Chicken: The first thing to be done is to brown the chicken in order to get those deep, rich flavors before the rice cooks.
• Use Chicken Broth: Prepare the rice with chicken broth for added flavor and unctuousness in the dish.
• Simmer Slow: Let the rice cook on low heat and take its time to soak in all the juices.
• Adding Vegetables: Throw in some peas or carrots to add to the nutrition and color of the dish.
• Finish with Lemon: Brighten the dish at serving time with a squeeze of lemon juice or some fresh herbs.
• Let It Rest: Give the dish a few minutes to rest after cooking to ensure all the flavors fully come together.

🗒 Variations

1. Spicy Version: Add a little chili powder, cayenne, or red pepper flakes to give it some kick.
2. Herby Lemon: Omit spices for fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, finishing with a good squeeze of lemon for the zest.
3. Mexican Style: Add black beans, corn, cumin, and top with salsa and avocado for a Mexican flair.
4. Mediterranean Twist: For Mediterranean flavor, use olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano.
5. Creamy Version: Stir in some cream or coconut milk towards the end for a richer and creamier dish.

🗒 Substitutions for One-Pot Chicken and Rice

• Rice: Brown rice, quinoa, and for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice can replace white rice.
• Chicken: Use chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture, or substitute with other proteins like turkey or tofu if you want to change it up.
• Broth: Vegetable broth or beef broth works just as well as chicken broth.
• Veggies: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Chopped zucchini, spinach, and/or bell peppers work incredibly well.
• Spices: Use whatever spices you like, or try using curry powder or Italian seasoning to change the flavor of the dish.

🗒 Best served with

• Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, such as kale salad pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of chicken and rice. Beetroot and chickpea salad is another great option for extra protein and texture.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices from the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Add more color and nutrition by serving it with steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
• Yogurt or Sour Cream: A dollop of yogurt or sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the dish.

👝 How to Store Leftovers

1. Refrigerate: Allow the dish to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freeze: If you want to store it longer, transfer the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
3. Reheat: When ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to bring back moisture, or microwave until warm.

More Easy One-Pot Recipes

If you liked this one pot chicken and rice you’ll probobly will love these recipes as well:

• One pot chicken and bulgur
• One Pan Chicken on a Stovetop
• One Pot Pasta with Tomato Sauce
• One Pan Salmon with Veggies

🤔 Common Questions