One Pot Chicken and Rice

Imagine tender chicken pieces nestled in fragrant, fluffy rice, each grain infused with savory spices and rich broth. One Pot Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food that combines convenience with incredible flavor in a single cooking vessel. This classic dish transforms everyday ingredients into a memorable meal that’s both satisfying and impressive. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and deliciousness. You’ll learn how to create a perfectly seasoned, complete meal with minimal cleanup that will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this One Pot Chicken and Rice recipe for so many reasons. First, the convenience factor is unbeatable—everything cooks in a single pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening. The chicken develops a beautiful golden exterior while remaining incredibly juicy inside, creating a delightful textural contrast against the tender rice grains.

The flavors in this dish build and meld as everything cooks together—the rice absorbs all the aromatic seasonings and chicken juices, resulting in each forkful delivering a perfect balance of savory, herby notes. Unlike other rice dishes that can turn out bland or mushy, this recipe creates distinct, fluffy rice with dynamic flavors throughout.

Perhaps best of all, this One Pot Chicken and Rice is incredibly adaptable to what you have on hand, making it a perfect weeknight solution when you need a satisfying meal without a complicated shopping list. The simplicity of ingredients belies the complex, comforting flavors that emerge from this humble pot.

Ingredients

For this delicious One Pot Chicken and Rice, you’ll need:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1.5 cups (300g) long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion (about 1 cup), finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots (about 1 cup), diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

The chicken thighs provide richness and stay juicy during cooking, while the rinsed rice ensures your dish will have perfect, distinct grains rather than a sticky texture. For the broth, using low-sodium versions gives you better control over the final seasoning.

Pro Tips

Select the right pot: Choose a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents the rice from scorching at the bottom while allowing the top layer to cook properly. The tight-fitting lid traps steam, which is essential for perfectly cooked rice.

Perfect the sear: Don’t rush the initial chicken browning stage. Working in batches if necessary, give the chicken pieces room to develop a golden crust. This not only improves the chicken’s texture but creates flavorful fond (browned bits) on the pot bottom that will infuse the entire dish with depth. A proper sear takes 4-5 minutes per side—resist the urge to move the chicken too frequently.

Master the liquid ratio: The success of any One Pot Chicken and Rice hinges on the correct liquid-to-rice ratio. While the recipe calls for 3 cups of broth to 1.5 cups of rice, be attentive to how your specific rice behaves. If after cooking the rice seems too firm, you can add an additional ¼ cup of hot broth, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes. Conversely, if it’s too wet, remove the lid and cook over low heat for a few extra minutes to evaporate excess moisture.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by cutting the chicken thighs into roughly 2-inch pieces. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy as it cooks.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Brown the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. You’re not cooking the chicken through at this point – just developing flavor and texture. Remove the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: In the same pot, add the diced onion and carrots. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the bell pepper and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Add the dried oregano, paprika, cumin, and thyme to the vegetable mixture. Stir for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their aromatic oils. This step significantly enhances the flavor profile of your One Pot Chicken and Rice.

Step 5: Return the browned chicken to the pot, along with any accumulated juices – these contain tremendous flavor! Add the rinsed and drained rice, stirring gently to coat each grain with the flavorful oil and spices.

Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a gentle stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 7: Once the cooking time is complete, remove the pot from the heat but keep it covered. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes – this crucial step lets the rice finish absorbing any remaining moisture and helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 8: Fluff the One Pot Chicken and Rice with a fork, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for a bright finish that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Variations

Mediterranean Chicken and Rice: Transform this One Pot Chicken and Rice with Mediterranean flavors by adding 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, and 1 tablespoon dried oregano. Stir in 1 cup fresh spinach and ½ cup crumbled feta cheese just before serving for a bright, tangy finish. This variation pairs beautifully with a simple Greek salad.

Spicy Cajun Style: For those who enjoy heat, create a Cajun-inspired version by adding 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning blend, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 1 cup sliced okra. Replace regular sausage with andouille sausage (about 8 ounces, sliced) added alongside the chicken for authentic Louisiana flavors. The smoky, spicy profile of this easy chicken and rice variation makes for a deliciously different weeknight dinner.

Vegetarian Option: For a plant-based take, substitute the chicken with 2 cans of drained, rinsed chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add 1 cup of diced mushrooms for a meaty texture and umami flavor. This hearty vegetarian one pot meal retains all the satisfaction of the original while accommodating plant-based diets.

Storage and Serving

This One Pot Chicken and Rice stores beautifully, actually improving in flavor over time. Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture, and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

For serving, try presenting your One Pot Chicken and Rice in several delicious ways. For a complete meal, serve it in wide, shallow bowls topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The yogurt adds creaminess that beautifully contrasts with the savory rice.

Create a rice bowl experience by adding fresh elements like sliced avocado, quick-pickled red onions, and a squeeze of lime for brightness. This transforms the dish into something special with minimal extra effort.

For a more substantial presentation, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette and warm pita bread for scooping up every flavorful grain of rice and tender piece of chicken.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires longer cooking time and more liquid. Use 3.5 cups of broth instead of 3, and expect to simmer for 40-45 minutes. For best results, partially cook the chicken separately and add it during the last 20 minutes to prevent it from becoming tough.

My rice turned out mushy. What went wrong?
The most common causes are using too much liquid, not rinsing the rice before cooking, or cooking at too high a temperature. Make sure to rinse the rice until water runs clear, use the exact liquid measurements, and maintain a gentle simmer throughout cooking.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, though chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily. If using breasts, cut them into slightly larger pieces and reduce the initial browning time. Consider removing them after browning and adding back during the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Is it necessary to rinse the rice?
Yes, rinsing removes excess starch and prevents your One Pot Chicken and Rice from becoming gummy. It’s a small step that makes a significant difference in the final texture.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
You can easily incorporate more vegetables like peas, corn, or diced zucchini. Add sturdy vegetables like carrots with the onions, and quick-cooking vegetables like peas or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking time.

Conclusion

This One Pot Chicken and Rice is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of tender meat, aromatic rice, and vibrant vegetables that create a complete meal with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that rescues busy weeknights while still feeling special enough for weekend gatherings. The beauty lies in its adaptability and how it transforms simple ingredients into something truly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or simply craving something hearty and delicious, this recipe delivers both convenience and flavor in every bite. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation.

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