This one-pot chicken and rice dish is the epitome of a quick and comforting meal. Packed with flavor, it’s an easy-to-make dinner perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken breasts, fluffy rice, and a savory seasoning blend, it’s a meal that feels both satisfying and wholesome, yet doesn’t require much effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping for a solo meal, this recipe delivers delicious results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one-pot chicken and rice is simple, hearty, and full of flavor. The best part? You can make it all in one pot, reducing cleanup and saving time. The chicken breasts stay juicy, while the rice absorbs all the savory flavors from the chicken and broth. A dash of thyme and paprika adds depth, and the whole dish comes together in under an hour. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights or when you want a comforting dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
-
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 medium onion, chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup long-grain white rice
-
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
-
1 teaspoon dried thyme
-
1/2 teaspoon paprika
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
-
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Add them to the pot and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
-
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast in the oil.
-
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pot, placing it on top of the rice.
-
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
-
Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and slice the chicken.
-
Serve the chicken over the rice and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 4 servings
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
-
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
-
Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the pot when cooking the onion and garlic. This will add extra nutrition and flavor to the dish.
-
Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when cooking the onion and garlic.
-
Herb Twist: For added flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme over the chicken before cooking. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a citrusy burst at the end.
-
Cheesy Version: Add shredded cheese on top of the chicken and rice in the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy, comforting twist.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store any leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a pot on the stove. You may need to add a little extra broth to loosen up the rice as it reheats.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs. Just ensure they’re cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
2. Can I make this dish with brown rice?
You can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio. Brown rice generally takes longer to cook, so increase the cooking time to about 35-40 minutes and add a little more broth.
3. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this dish in a slow cooker. Brown the chicken breasts first, then add them to the slow cooker along with the rice, onions, garlic, and broth. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours.
4. How can I make this dish even more flavorful?
You can make this dish even more flavorful by marinating the chicken in some lemon juice, olive oil, and spices for 30 minutes before cooking. You can also add a splash of white wine when cooking the onions for extra depth.
5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
6. Can I make this dish with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian or vegan. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
7. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe. Just add the chicken in when you stir in the rice and broth, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to heat through and absorb the flavors.
8. Can I add more spices to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even a pinch of curry powder to suit your taste.
9. What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
10. Can I double the recipe for more servings?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe to serve more people. Just use a larger pot and adjust the cooking time slightly, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
Conclusion
One-Pot Chicken and Rice is the perfect quick and satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and is packed with delicious, comforting ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy a hearty, flavorful dinner in just 35 minutes!
Print
One-Pot Chicken and Rice for a Quick and Delicious Meal
One-Pot Chicken and Rice is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken breasts, fluffy rice, and savory seasoning, this hearty dish is both comforting and satisfying. Made in one pot, it’s not only a delicious dinner option but also reduces cleanup. Ready in under an hour, it’s a simple, wholesome dish that everyone will love!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
-
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Add them to the pot and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
-
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
-
Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it.
-
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pot, placing it on top of the rice.
-
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
-
Remove from heat, let it sit for 5 minutes, fluff the rice with a fork, and slice the chicken.
-
Serve the chicken over the rice, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
-
Add Vegetables: Add peas, carrots, or bell peppers during the onion and garlic sauté for extra nutrition and flavor.
-
Spicy Kick: For some heat, add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when cooking the onions and garlic.
-
Herb Twist: Try fresh rosemary or thyme for added flavor, or squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top for a fresh finish.
-
Cheesy Version: Add shredded cheese on top of the chicken and rice in the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
