One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Introduction

Few dishes deliver on comfort, flavor, and convenience quite like One-Pot Chicken and Rice. The beauty of this meal lies in its simplicity: juicy chicken and tender rice cook together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully – and it all happens with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this is a reliable crowd-pleaser that requires only a handful of wholesome ingredients and one pot.

Why This One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe Is a Lifesaver

This recipe streamlines dinner by combining protein, grains, and vegetables all in one dish. Every bite is infused with savory notes thanks to the chicken juices and aromatic seasonings. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or hearty appetites, One-Pot Chicken and Rice delivers satisfying results without the mountain of dishes.

Another top reason to love this dinner is its adaptability: swap in your favorite spices, toss in extra veggies, or use boneless or bone-in chicken as desired. Plus, leftovers pack well for lunch the next day, making this a true meal-prep hero.

Prepping Your Chicken and Vegetables

Start by cubing boneless chicken thighs or breasts into uniform pieces for even cooking. If you want to expedite your prep time, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes quick work of dicing onions, carrots, peppers, or any hearty vegetables you’re adding.

Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or dried herbs for extra flavor. Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces for even texture throughout the dish.

The Secret to Perfect, Fluffy Rice

The key to this dish is letting the rice absorb flavorful chicken broth as it cooks alongside your protein and veggies. Use long-grain white rice for a classic, fluffy texture that won’t get mushy. Rinse the rice before adding it to the pot to prevent excess starch and potential clumping.

For best results, use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. If you’re seeking a stress-free cleanup, a quality SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch ensures nothing sticks – even when you’re cooking on higher heat or simmering for an extended period.

One-Pot Chicken and Rice Assembly & Cooking Tips

Brown the seasoned chicken thoroughly for big flavor — don’t skip this step! Sauté on medium-high heat until golden, then set aside. In the same pan, soften your aromatics (onions, garlic, carrots, etc.) to build a flavor foundation.

Add rice and “toast” briefly with the veggies before pouring in your warm chicken broth and returning the chicken to the pan. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly, and reduce the heat to let everything cook together undisturbed.

A ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking is a handy tool for checking chicken doneness without guesswork, ensuring every bite is juicy and safe.

Serving and Storing Your One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Once the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, fluff the rice and sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. This meal is beautiful served straight from the pot, making it perfect for casual dinner parties or busy weeknights.

Leftovers can be stored in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) to keep them fresh for lunches and meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy!

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 hearty servings and is naturally gluten-free. Each serving offers a balanced makeup of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and optional vegetables. Calorie count per serving averages 400–500, depending on the cut of chicken and veggies used.

One-Pot Chicken and Rice (Recap)

With just one skillet and a few staple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. One-Pot Chicken and Rice isn’t just easy; it’s also endlessly adaptable and guaranteed to please a crowd or a small family – all with minimal kitchen cleanup.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and brown on all sides. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, carrot, and bell pepper to the same skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the rinsed rice and “toast” for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle in smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Nestle browned chicken (and any juices) back into the pan. Stir once to combine.
5. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through. Optionally, check chicken with a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking (internal temp should reach 165°F).
6. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently and garnish with chopped herbs.
7. Spoon into bowls or pack leftovers into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy lunches.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

This easy, reliable, and delicious One-Pot Chicken and Rice recipe will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation!