This One Pot Chicken and Rice dish is a cozy meal that’s super easy to make. You just toss everything in one pot, and let it cook together—no fuss, no mess!
I love how the chicken gets tender and the rice soaks up all those tasty flavors. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and delicious without a lot of cleanup.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish since they cook quickly and stay tender. If you prefer, you could swap them for thighs for extra flavor and juiciness!
Rice: Long-grain varieties like basmati or jasmine work best here for fluffy texture. In a pinch, you might use medium-grain or even brown rice, but be mindful that brown rice will need more liquid and a longer cooking time.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is ideal if you have it, but low-sodium store-bought broth is a good alternative. Vegetable broth can be used if you want a vegetarian option. Just remember, it may change the flavor a bit.
Vegetables: Frozen peas and shredded carrots are convenient, but you could use fresh veggies if you have them! Try chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a colorful twist.
Herbs and Spices: Dried thyme adds a nice touch, but you could swap it out for Italian seasoning or oregano. Fresh herbs work too; just use a bit more since they’re less potent.
How Do You Ensure Flavorful Chicken and Rice?
Getting the flavors just right is key for this dish. First, sauté the onions well until soft; this builds a great base. Then, add garlic just until fragrant, so it doesn’t burn.
- Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and your spices as it cooks to infuse flavor.
- When adding rice, make sure it’s mixed thoroughly with the chicken and veggies so it absorbs all that amazing broth flavor.
- Let it sit covered after cooking. This is important as it gives the rice a chance to soak up any remaining broth.
Following these tips will give you a delicious and hearty one-pot meal every time!
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups long-grain rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a hearty, one-pot meal that’s easy and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell the wonderful garlic aroma.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to add the chicken pieces to the pot. Season them with salt, pepper, dried thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink inside, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure it cooks evenly.
3. Combine Remaining Ingredients:
Next, stir in the uncooked rice along with the chicken broth, shredded carrots, and frozen peas. Bring everything to a boil. This is where the magic happens, so keep an eye on it!
4. Simmer to Perfection:
Once your mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook and absorb most of the liquid. Just relax and let the wonderful smells fill your kitchen!
5. Final Touches:
After the cooking time is up, remove the pot from heat but keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes. This resting time will help all the flavors come together nicely. Then, fluff the rice with a fork, and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious one pot chicken and rice!
Can I Substitute Brown Rice for White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it will require more cooking time and additional liquid. Substitute with 2 1/4 cups of chicken broth and increase the simmering time to about 35-40 minutes, or until the brown rice is tender.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem! You can use vegetable broth or even water with a bouillon cube or seasoning. Just make sure to adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly, as broth can be saltier than plain water.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Cool any leftovers and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the pot and warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly. If you’re using fresh greens like spinach, stir them in at the end to wilt them gently after cooking.
