Chicken and Rice – This hearty, flavorful, one-pot dish combines juicy chicken, tender rice, and savory seasonings, all cooked together in a single pot, packed with comforting flavors that make it a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Simple ingredients: Pantry staples like rice, chicken, broth, and seasonings come together beautifully.
- Customizable: Adapt this dish to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or what you have on hand.
- Kid-approved: A hit with picky eaters, thanks to its mild yet delicious flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick rundown of the key ingredients:
- Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks work best, offering rich flavor and tender texture.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice or basmati rice ensures fluffy, non-sticky results.
- Aromatic Vegetables: Onions, garlic, and carrots add depth and sweetness.
- Broth: Chicken stock or broth infuses the dish with savory goodness.
- Seasonings: Paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper create a simple yet delicious flavor profile.
- Optional Add-ins: Frozen peas, spinach, or mushrooms can add extra nutrition and variety.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect One Pot Chicken and Rice
- Sear the Chicken First: Start by browning the chicken to lock in flavor and create a golden crust. Remove it before cooking the rice to avoid overcooking.
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents clumping.
- Use the Right Pot: A deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven works best for even cooking and retaining heat.
- Don’t Over-Stir: Once the rice is added, avoid stirring excessively to maintain the fluffy texture.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes with the lid on. This step allows the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
Delicious Variations to Try
One pot chicken and rice is endlessly versatile. Here are some creative twists:
- Mediterranean Style: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate chili flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Herby Upgrade: Use fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro for added freshness.
- Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth for a meat-free option.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a creamy, risotto-like texture.
How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Rice
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance it with simple sides:
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Crusty Bread: Use slices of warm bread to soak up the delicious broth.
How to Store and Reheat
One pot chicken and rice is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but note that brown rice takes longer to cook and may require additional liquid. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
2. What’s the best chicken cut for this recipe?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for flavor and tenderness, but drumsticks or boneless chicken breasts can also work.
3. How do I avoid mushy rice?
Use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio and avoid overcooking. Letting the dish rest after cooking also helps the rice firm up.
4. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sear the chicken first, then layer all the ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or until the rice is tender.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Chicken and Rice (One Pot)
Chicken and Rice - This hearty, flavorful, one-pot dish combines juicy chicken, tender rice, and savory seasonings, all cooked together in a single pot, packed with comforting flavors that make it a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 2 chicken breasts (~1lb), cut into bite-sized pieces (not hunks!)
- 4–6 tablespoons butter or vegan butter, divided
- 1 heaping cup shredded or chopped carrots
- Homemade seasoned salt and pepper
- 2 scant cups long-grain white rice (Lundberg White Jasmine Rice recommended)
- 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
Instructions
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the carrots, sprinkle with seasoned salt and pepper, then cover and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
- Add the rice, dried garlic, and dried onion to the pot. Stir well to coat the rice in butter, and sauté for 1 minute to develop flavor.
- Stir in dried parsley and chicken stock. Turn the heat to high, stirring occasionally to prevent rice from sticking, and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, season the chicken pieces with seasoned salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the pot, increase the heat slightly if needed to maintain a simmer, and cook for another 7–10 minutes, stirring more frequently toward the end.
- Stir in the remaining 2–4 tablespoons of butter (your call on how much indulgence!) for a creamy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Scoop into bowls and enjoy the cozy, savory goodness!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 964Total Fat 94gSaturated Fat 57gTrans Fat 4gUnsaturated Fat 30gCholesterol 246mgSodium 1227mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 1gSugar 6gProtein 11g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
One pot chicken and rice is a timeless recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or preparing it for a comforting weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a staple in your household.
Try my other chicken recipes:
