One Pot Chicken and Rice

This One Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With tender chicken thighs and fluffy rice, this dish provides a comforting meal that the whole family can enjoy. It’s versatile enough for casual dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Main Ingredients
• How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Step 1: Prepare the Rice
• Step 2: Season the Chicken
• Step 3: Sear the Chicken
• Step 4: Sauté Onions and Toast Rice
• Step 5: Combine Ingredients
• Step 6: Cook Together
• Step 7: Final Touches
• How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Rice
• With Fresh Salad
• Topped with Fresh Herbs
• Accompanied by Sauces
• Served with Crusty Bread
• How to Perfect One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Best Side Dishes for One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Reheating One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make One Pot Chicken and Rice more flavorful?
• Can I use brown rice instead?
• How do I store leftover One Pot Chicken and Rice?
• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
• Can I substitute chicken thighs with another cut?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, allowing you to serve a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup for you after dinner.
• Flavorful Seasoning: The combination of smoked paprika and mixed herbs infuses the chicken and rice with rich flavors that will impress everyone at the table.
• Customizable Dish: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. Add vegetables or use different herbs to make this dish your own.
• Perfectly Cooked Rice: The rice absorbs all the savory flavors from the chicken stock, resulting in fluffy grains that are simply irresistible.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: This helps evenly cook the chicken and rice while allowing room for all ingredients to meld together beautifully.
• Mixing bowls: These are necessary for combining spices with the chicken and preparing various components of the dish.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring everything cooks evenly.

Ingredients

This one pot chicken and rice is about to be your family’s favourite. The skinless chicken thighs are tender and juicy and the rice is perfectly fluffy. This is sure a winner weeknight dinner you and your family will enjoy. It is simple, comforting and delicious.

Main Ingredients

• 1½ cups uncooked basmati rice
• 6 chicken thighs
• 1 ½ tsp mixed herbs (Substitute with Italian seasoning or herb de Provence)
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 Tbsp Olive oil
• 1 cup onion chopped (any types of onion would work for this recipe.)
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 3 cups low sodium chicken stock.
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup green onions to garnish (sub with chives, parsley or coriander)

How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

1. To a small mixing bowl, add smoked paprika, mixed herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper; mix well.
2. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear; set aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

1. In a larger bowl, add the chicken thighs.
2. Sprinkle over most of the seasoning mixture while reserving about a teaspoon for later use; coat well.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down in the pot; sear for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Sauté Onions and Toast Rice

1. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions until soft and translucent.
2. Add butter; stir until melted.
3. Add rinsed rice; toast for 1-2 minutes while stirring regularly to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

1. Pour in low sodium chicken stock over toasted rice.
2. Stir in reserved seasoning mixture; deglaze bottom of the pan by scraping it gently with a wooden spoon.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 6: Cook Together

1. Arrange seared chicken thighs over rice mixture.
2. Cover with lid; cook on low-medium heat for about 15-20 minutes depending on your type of rice.

Step 7: Final Touches

1. Once cooked, fluff rice with a fork; garnish with chopped green onions.
2. Let stand covered for an additional 3 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delightful One Pot Chicken and Rice!

How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Rice

One Pot Chicken and Rice is a versatile dish that can be customized in many ways to suit your family’s tastes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad – A light mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers drizzled with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
• Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan cheese and croutons pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the chicken.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Cilantro – Adding fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor and color, enhancing the dish’s appeal.
• Parsley Garnish – Sprinkling chopped parsley adds a fresh finish and complements the meal beautifully.

Accompanied by Sauces

• Hot Sauce – A dash of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the dish for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Garlic Aioli – Creamy garlic aioli provides a rich, flavorful dip that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.

Served with Crusty Bread

• Baguette Slices – Serve warm baguette slices for dipping into the savory rice.
• Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread adds an extra layer of flavor that complements this one-pot wonder.

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect One Pot Chicken and Rice

To ensure your One Pot Chicken and Rice turns out perfect every time, consider these handy tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients – Fresh, high-quality chicken thighs and stock will enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
• Don’t Rush the Searing – Allowing the chicken to sear until golden brown adds depth to the flavor profile.
• Toast Your Rice – Toasting the rice before adding liquid helps achieve a nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Taste as You Go – Adjusting seasoning during cooking allows you to personalize flavors to your liking.
• Let it Rest – Allowing the dish to rest after cooking helps flavors meld together for a more enjoyable meal.
• Fluff the Rice Gently – Use a fork to fluff the rice after resting for perfect texture without mashing it.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Chicken and Rice

Pairing side dishes with One Pot Chicken and Rice can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.

1. Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli or green beans add a healthy, colorful touch to your plate.
2. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and balance against the richness of the chicken.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Caramelized Brussels sprouts add an earthy flavor that complements the dish nicely.
4. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brings natural sweetness, enhancing the savory elements of chicken and rice.
5. Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes offer comfort alongside this hearty main course.
6. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad provides a refreshing endnote that cleanses the palate after each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making One Pot Chicken and Rice, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to properly season the chicken and rice can result in bland food. Be generous with spices and taste as you go.
• Overcrowding the pot: Adding too many ingredients at once can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to the recipe amounts for best results.
• Not rinsing the rice: If you skip rinsing the rice, it may become sticky instead of fluffy. Rinse until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too long or not long enough can ruin your dish. Follow timing guidelines closely for perfect results.
• Using high heat throughout: Keeping heat too high can burn the rice or chicken. Use medium-low heat for a gentle simmer that ensures even cooking.

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing One Pot Chicken and Rice

• Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag.
• Best enjoyed within 2-3 months for peak flavor.

Reheating One Pot Chicken and Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make One Pot Chicken and Rice more flavorful?

Add herbs like thyme or rosemary during cooking. You can also include vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra flavor.

Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook than white basmati rice.

How do I store leftover One Pot Chicken and Rice?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep as it reheats well and keeps its flavor over several days.

Can I substitute chicken thighs with another cut?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts or drumsticks if preferred; just ensure they are cooked through before serving.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Chicken and Rice is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without much fuss. Feel free to customize this dish by adding vegetables or experimenting with different spices. Your family will love it!