Main Dishes

One-Pot Chicken and Rice

A warm, homey one-pot chicken and rice that cooks from start to finish in a single pot. It brings together browned chicken, fragrant onions and garlic, tender rice, and bright green peas. The dish smells savory, looks golden with flecks of parsley, and serves up a creamy, comforting texture with a light bite from the peas. If you enjoy easy weeknight meals with big flavor, try this version — and for a cheesy twist, you might also like Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 520 kcal (approx.)
Protein: 27 g
Carbohydrates: 46 g
Fat: 19 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 975 mg (approx.)

Why Make This One-Pot Chicken and Rice

This one-pot chicken and rice is fast, filling, and forgiving. You get a whole meal with minimal cleanup. The rice soaks up the savory broth and chicken juices for deep flavor. The browned chicken adds a caramelized note and a pleasing texture contrast. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, leftover lunches, or a cozy dinner when you want something simple but satisfying.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken and Rice

This method keeps things straightforward: sauté aromatics, brown the chicken for color, add rice and broth, then simmer until tender. Finish with peas for a pop of color and parsley for freshness. The steps below keep timing and technique clear so the rice cooks evenly and the chicken stays juicy.

Ingredients:

1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 cup long-grain rice
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them with paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Sautéing

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent and the garlic smells fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Stir often so the garlic does not burn.

Step 3: Browning and Simmering

Add the chicken thighs to the pot and cook until browned on both sides, about 4–6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Push the chicken to one side, stir in the rice, then pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth. Scrape any browned bits from the pot into the liquid. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 4: Finishing and Garnishing

Add the frozen peas, stir gently to combine, and cook for an additional 5 minutes with the lid on until the peas are heated through. Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes to firm up. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Serve it straight from the pot for a rustic family-style meal. Spoon onto plates and add a fresh lemon wedge if you like a bright lift. Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for color and crunch. This dish works well for casual dinners, meal prep lunches, or a simple dinner with friends.

How to Store One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Refrigerate: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the rice, or microwave covered until heated through.

Expert Tips for Perfect One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning. Dry meat browns better and gives more flavor.
Don’t skip browning. The caramelized bits add depth to the broth and rice.
Use a pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and cook rice evenly.
If your rice is still firm after the listed time, add 1/4 cup more broth, cover, and cook a few more minutes.
For tender chicken, avoid overcooking the thighs during browning; they finish cooking while the rice simmers.
Taste and adjust salt near the end, especially if your broth is salty.

Delicious Variations

Lemon & Herb: Add zest of one lemon and a teaspoon of dried oregano for a brighter flavor.
Spicy: Stir in 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne or a chopped jalapeño with the onions.
Veggie-Loaded: Add diced carrots and bell peppers with the onion for more color and texture.
Creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese at the end for a richer sauce.
Brown Rice: Swap to brown rice, but increase simmer time to about 40–45 minutes and add a bit more broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but watch the browning time so they don’t dry out. You may want to remove them after browning, finish the rice, then slice and return the chicken to the pot to warm through.
Q: What if my rice is mushy or my chicken is dry?
A: Mushy rice usually means too much liquid or overcooking. Reduce broth by 1/4 cup next time and shorten simmer time. Dry chicken can come from overcooking; brown briefly and let the thighs finish cooking during the rice simmer.
Q: Can I use low-sodium chicken broth?
A: Yes. Low-sodium broth is a good choice. Taste at the end and add salt as needed.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
A: For a slow cooker, brown the chicken and sauté the onions first, then cook on low 2–3 hours with rice and broth (timing varies by cooker). For an Instant Pot, brown on sauté, add rice and broth, then cook on high pressure for 8 minutes and quick-release.
Q: How do I prevent rice from sticking to the bottom?
A: Stir the rice briefly when you add it, and make sure the pot base isn’t too hot. Use medium-low heat while simmering and a pot with a heavy bottom. If rice sticks, soak the pot in warm soapy water to loosen the bits.

Conclusion

This one-pot chicken and rice is an easy, comforting meal that smells savory and tastes like home. It cooks in under an hour and needs only simple pantry ingredients. For another quick and tasty take on chicken-and-rice comfort food, check out One Pot Chicken and Rice – The Dinner Bite. Enjoy cooking — this dish warms the kitchen and the table.