Description
One Pot Chicken and Rice is a cozy, family-friendly dish made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and savory herbs—all cooked in one pan for a flavorful and easy-to-clean-up meal. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup carrots, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup peas or green beans (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 3 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté chopped onion until translucent. Add garlic and carrots (if using), and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add uncooked rice and stir to coat in the oil and aromatics for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir in dried herbs and bay leaf (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return chicken to the pan, placing it on top of the rice. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low.
- Cook for 20–25 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
- If using peas or green beans, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
Use brown rice but increase cooking time and add more broth.Swap in shrimp or sausage for a different protein option.Add lemon juice or zest at the end for brightness.Try coconut milk for a creamier, tropical twist.Use a non-stick or heavy-bottomed pan to prevent rice from sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg