If there’s one recipe every home cook should have on hand, it’s a one-pot chicken and rice dish. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and a true weeknight hero. With just one pot, you can create a hearty, flavorful, and nourishing meal that everyone will love — and the best part? Less cleanup!
This recipe is a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and veggies, making it a complete meal without the need for sides (though I’ll share some optional pairings later). Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just need something cozy on a chilly evening, this one-pot chicken and rice will hit the spot.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, share variations to keep things exciting, and give you plenty of tips to guarantee perfect results every time.
✅ Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this comforting dish:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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4 chicken thighs (bone-in for extra flavor, boneless for quicker cooking)
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 cup peas or green beans
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
✅ Step-by-Step Instructions
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Heat the oil – Add olive oil to a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
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Brown the chicken – Season the thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear both sides until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
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Sauté the aromatics – In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until fragrant and softened. This builds the base flavor.
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Toast the rice – Stir in uncooked rice, coating it with the onion-garlic mixture. This step prevents mushy rice.
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Add broth – Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
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Cook the chicken – Return chicken to the pot, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer for 20–25 minutes.
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Add veggies – Stir in peas or green beans in the last 5 minutes.
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Finish and serve – Fluff the rice, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm.
✅ Variations to Keep It Exciting
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Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes, cayenne, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
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Mediterranean Twist: Toss in olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon.
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Kid-Friendly: Use boneless chicken and add diced carrots for sweetness.
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Mexican Style: Swap broth for tomato-based broth, add corn and black beans, and top with cilantro.
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Creamy Comfort: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or light cream at the end for richness.
✅ Tips for Success
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Choose the right rice – Long-grain rice works best because it stays fluffy. Avoid short-grain unless you prefer a creamier texture.
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Don’t rush the browning – Searing the chicken first locks in flavor and gives the dish depth.
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Simmer gently – Too much heat will overcook the rice or dry out the chicken.
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Rest before serving – Let the pot sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to settle.
✅ What to Serve With One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Although this dish stands beautifully on its own, here are some tasty side ideas if you want to stretch it into a feast:
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A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Garlic bread or crusty baguette
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Roasted vegetables like zucchini or carrots
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A dollop of plain Greek yogurt for creaminess
✅ Storage & Meal Prep
This dish is perfect for make-ahead meals.
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth to keep rice from drying out.
✅ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breast works, but it cooks faster. Reduce the simmering time by 5–7 minutes to prevent it from drying out.
2. Can I use brown rice?
Absolutely, but keep in mind it takes longer (about 40–45 minutes) and you’ll need more broth.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes — skip the chicken, use vegetable broth, and add chickpeas or tofu for protein.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Just make sure you use a big enough pot and adjust cooking times slightly.
✅ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One-pot magic: Less cleanup, more flavor.
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Balanced nutrition: Protein, carbs, and veggies in one dish.
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Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples without breaking the bank.
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Family-approved: Customizable for picky eaters.
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Meal prep champion: Keeps well in the fridge and freezer.
✅ Conclusion
This one-pot chicken and rice recipe is living proof that healthy meals don’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again — whether for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy family meal, or weekly meal prep.
So next time you’re wondering what to cook with minimal effort but maximum comfort, remember this: one pot, endless possibilities.