If you’ve ever craved a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is absolutely for you. It’s the perfect balance of tender, savory chicken, fluffy rice soaked with rich chicken broth, and a hint of sweetness from the peas, all cooked together in one pot to make cleanup a breeze. This dish brings together simplicity and depth of flavor in a way that feels both homey and special, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting that harmonious flavor and texture you’ll love. From the earthy paprika that adds warmth to the juicy chicken thighs, to the sweet peas that brighten every spoonful, every element counts.
- 1 pound chicken thighs: Use skin-on if you want extra crispness, boneless for convenience, either way they stay juicy and tender.
- 1 cup rice: Long-grain white rice works best for fluffy texture without getting mushy.
- 2 cups chicken broth: The secret to deeply flavorful, moist rice that soaks up all the savory notes.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and a fragrant base for the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a subtle punch of aromatic depth that elevates the whole pot.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a smoky warmth and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavor and seasoning each component perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and gently sautée the aromatics.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers invitingly. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring until they become soft, translucent, and fragrant—this will take about 2 to 3 minutes and sets a wonderful flavor foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken Thighs
Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add them to the pot and let them brown deeply on each side for around 4 to 5 minutes. This browning step locks in juicy flavor and adds a lovely golden crust that makes every bite irresistible.
Step 3: Combine Rice and Broth
Once the chicken has a gorgeous crust, it’s time to add the rice and pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine everything, then bring the mixture up to a gentle boil. This will ensure that the rice starts absorbing those wonderful flavors right from the start.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let everything cook together for about 20 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the broth and cook tenderly while the chicken finishes cooking through, making the whole pot wonderfully flavorful.
Step 5: Stir in the Peas
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. They’ll quickly defrost and cook right in the pot, adding a burst of bright green color and a subtle sweetness that complements the savory chicken and seasoned rice beautifully.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
After turning off the heat, let the pot sit covered for a few minutes. This little resting time helps all the flavors meld together and ensures the rice is perfectly fluffy, making your One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe nothing short of amazing.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes transforms this simple dish from comforting to celebratory. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the top for a lively, herbaceous touch. A squeeze of lemon juice or a few lemon wedges on the side bring brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can round out your meal nicely. Think roasted carrots, sautéed green beans, or a light cucumber salad to add extra crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the dish family-style straight from the pot, letting everyone dig in. Alternatively, portion it into individual bowls and top each with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of spicy harissa for some exciting flavor contrasts. This recipe’s comforting vibe pairs well with simple, rustic presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner the next day. The rice may absorb more moisture overnight, but a quick stir before reheating brings it back to life.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers to keep them for up to 2 months. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and let it cool completely before sealing and freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the rice feels dry. Stir occasionally to warm everything evenly and restore that creamy, perfectly balanced texture that makes this One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe so satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken breasts will work fine, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during the simmering process. If using breasts, keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and separate when cooked. Avoid sticky or short-grain rice as it might clump up or become too mushy in this one-pot dish.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Yes! Feel free to experiment by adding diced bell peppers, chopped carrots, or mushrooms along with the onion and garlic for extra color and nutrition.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure the chicken broth you use does not contain gluten additives.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the onion and garlic during the sauté step for a subtle kick that balances the savory flavors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a meal made in just one pot, and this One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe hits that mark with flying colors. It’s delicious, fuss-free, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try soon—you might just discover your new favorite dinner!
Print
One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty one-pot chicken and rice dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with aromatic garlic and onions, seasoned with paprika, and simmered with rice and peas for a complete, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring occasionally until fragrant and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Brown the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika, then place them in the pot. Brown the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until nicely seared.
- Add rice and broth: Stir in the rice followed by the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil to start cooking the rice.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the dish simmer for approximately 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Add peas: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas to heat them through and add freshness and color to the dish.
- Rest: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs can add extra flavor and moisture but may require slightly longer cooking time.
- Feel free to substitute frozen peas with fresh peas or other vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes along with the paprika.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
