If you’re searching for a comforting, fuss-free meal that delivers big on flavor with minimal cleanup, this One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is your new best friend. It combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken thighs with fluffy, savory rice all cooked together in one pot, making dinner not only delicious but incredibly simple. The blend of paprika, garlic, and onions creates an aromatic base while the addition of peas adds a nice pop of color and sweetness. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this dish is guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your weeknight lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep things straightforward yet essential, each playing a vital role in building rich flavors, hearty texture, and inviting color in your dish.
- Chicken thighs: A juicy, tender choice that stays moist during cooking and infuses the rice with delicious flavor.
- Rice: The starchy base that soaks up all the tasty broth and spices, yielding a comforting texture.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and savory richness, making sure every grain of rice is bursting with flavor.
- Onion: Provides natural sweetness and aromatic complexity when sautéed.
- Garlic: A classic enhancer that brightens and rounds out the savory profile.
- Frozen peas: A quick, colorful addition that brings a fresh pop to the dish.
- Paprika: Contributes a warm, smoky undertone and beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle fruity richness to the base.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Start with a flavorful base
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step builds the fragrant foundation that will carry all those lovely flavors through the dish.
Step 2: Brown the chicken thighs
Season your chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add them carefully to the pot, browning each side for 4 to 5 minutes to develop a beautifully golden crust. This not only locks in juices but also adds a depth of flavor from the caramelization process.
Step 3: Combine rice and broth
Stir the uncooked rice into the pot, mixing gently to coat it in all the delicious leftover flavors. Pour in your chicken broth and bring the entire mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the rice to start absorbing all those savory juices.
Step 4: Simmer until tender
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let the dish simmer gently for about 20 minutes. During this time, the rice cooks perfectly while soaking up every bit of flavor from the chicken and broth, creating a comforting and cohesive meal in one pot.
Step 5: Add peas and finish cooking
Five minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the frozen peas. This quick addition warms them through while preserving their vibrant green color and a touch of sweetness, balancing out the savory chicken and rice beautifully.
Step 6: Rest and serve
Once the cooking is complete, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. This resting step allows the rice to steam gently, making it fluffier and melding the flavors together perfectly before serving.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a bright, fresh contrast. A squeeze of lemon juice can also elevate the flavors and add a vibrant zing that pairs wonderfully with the smoky paprika seasoning.
Side Dishes
Although this dish stands strong on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple cucumber yogurt sauce enhances the meal, adding texture and a refreshing element to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe in rustic bowls for a cozy vibe or plate it family-style on a large platter, letting the vibrant colors shine as a centerpiece. You could even stuff the mixture into bell peppers for a fun twist that doubles as both a serving vessel and a flavorful side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
This dish freezes well in single or family-sized portions. Be sure to cool fully before sealing tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored for up to 2 months without losing much taste or texture.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry to refresh the creamy, comforting texture.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts or drumsticks can be substituted. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
Is it possible to make this recipe with brown rice?
Yes, you can swap in brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. Keep in mind brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, usually around 40 minutes, so adjust accordingly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure thing! Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplants and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep the dish flavorful and satisfying.
How do I make the rice less sticky?
Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch that causes stickiness. Also, making sure not to over-stir once you add the rice and broth helps keep grains separate and fluffy.
Can I prepare this dish in advance and reheat it later?
Definitely! The One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe tastes even better the next day as flavors meld beautifully. Just store properly in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain moisture and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a one-pot meal that tastes homemade, fresh, and comforting without hours in the kitchen. This One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is a shining example of simple ingredients brought together in a way that feels both nourishing and exciting. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy it is to create a delicious dish that everyone will love, again and again.
Print
One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy one-pot chicken and rice recipe that combines tender chicken thighs with flavorful rice cooked in savory chicken broth, onions, garlic, and sweet peas. Perfect for a family meal ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein and Grains
- 1 pound chicken thighs
- 1 cup rice
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Liquids and Oils
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers, preparing the base for sautéing aromatics and browning chicken.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent, releasing their flavors.
- Brown the chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Place them in the pot and brown on each side for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden crust and deepen the flavor.
- Add rice and broth: Stir in 1 cup of rice followed by 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to start the cooking process of the rice.
- Simmer covered: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Stir in peas: About 5 minutes before the cooking finishes, fold in 1 cup of frozen peas, allowing them to heat through and add a pop of color and sweetness.
- Rest before serving: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the dish to settle before serving.
Notes
- Use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs depending on preference; bone-in will add extra flavor.
- For extra richness, substitute part of the chicken broth with coconut milk or cream.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices to taste.
- Ensure the pot is tightly covered while simmering to trap steam and cook rice evenly.
- If using long-grain rice, rinse it beforehand to remove excess starch and prevent sticking.
