If you’re after a comforting, fuss-free meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want dinner ready without a mountain of dishes, but also satisfying enough to enjoy on a cozy weekend in. Trust me, you’ll love how the flavors come together so effortlessly all in a single pot.

One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image — One-Pot Chicken and Rice, easy chicken and rice dinner, quick one-pot chicken meal, comforting chicken and rice recipe, simple chicken and rice dish

Jump to:

In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

🥄

In the Kitchen

I always reach for this recipe when I want something decadent but straightforward — it’s a total one-pot wonder that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture.

Juicy and Tender Every Time: Searing the chicken first locks in moisture and builds a golden crust that’s simply irresistible.
Golden, Satisfying Finish: The rice perfectly soaks up those rich chicken flavors, giving you a comforting, fluffy base every single time.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: With just pantry staples and a few fresh add-ins, you can whip up something impressive without stress.
Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this dish scales well and feels special enough for guests.

Ingredients at a Glance

Choosing quality ingredients makes a difference here. I like to use fresh chicken thighs for juiciness and aromatic chicken broth for that extra depth. Real veggies, even frozen peas and carrots, add bright pops of color and nutrition.

Chicken thighs: Go for boneless, skinless for quick cooking and tender results.
Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor of the sear.
Onion and garlic: Use fresh for that punch of savory aroma.
Long-grain rice: It stays fluffy and doesn’t clump when cooked in liquid.
Chicken broth: Homemade or store-bought, it enriches the dish with savory goodness.
Frozen peas and carrots: Convenient and colorful, they cook perfectly right in the pot.
Paprika and thyme: These spices add smoky warmth and herbaceous notes.
Fresh parsley: Brightens and freshens the final dish as a garnish.

Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1 — Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season your boneless chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and let them brown undisturbed for about 5 minutes on each side. You’ll know it’s perfect when the skin side turns a beautiful golden brown and releases easily from the pan. This step locks in juices and builds a flavorful crust to kick off your One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe.

Step 2 — Sauté Aromatics until Soft and Fragrant

Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Using the residual oil and browned bits from the chicken adds an irresistible savoriness. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion feels soft and translucent and the garlic fragrant but not browned — this base will really build depth in your dish.

Step 3 — Add Rice, Veggies, and Seasonings

Now stir in the long-grain rice, frozen peas and carrots, paprika, and dried thyme. Pour in the chicken broth all at once and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Keep an eye on the aroma here — it’s when you can already start to smell the cozy, homey vibe that this One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe delivers.

Step 4 — Simmer with Chicken and Let Flavors Meld

Return your seared chicken to nestle on top of the rice. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot tightly. Let everything cook together for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken juices run clear. This hands-off step is pure magic — the rice absorbs all the delicious broth and spices while the chicken finishes cooking slowly, staying tender and juicy.

Step 5 — Fluff, Garnish, and Serve Warm

Once the cooking time is up, fluff the rice gently with a fork to lighten up the texture. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s toasty and fragrant — you’ll notice how the flavors have perfectly melded in this satisfying One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe.

📋

Things to Remember

This recipe is forgiving but pays off when you pay close attention to timing and layering flavors. I’ve learned that a little patience browning the chicken and letting the rice cook undisturbed makes all the difference.

Doneness Cue: The chicken’s juices should run clear when pierced and the rice tender but not mushy.
Temperature Trick: Keep a low simmer once the liquid boils to avoid burning the rice at the bottom.
Make-Ahead Move: You can prep your veggies ahead or sear the chicken and refrigerate before the final simmer.
Common Pitfall: Don’t lift the lid too often during cooking — steam is key to perfectly tender rice.

Ways to Serve It

Finishing Touches

I like to finish this One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the rich flavors. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a dollop of Greek yogurt can add another lovely creamy note.

Plays Well With

For balance, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for extra texture and freshness. Something crunchy like toasted almonds or pita chips can also complement the softness of the rice beautifully.

Simple Plating Upgrades

On special days, add a few lemon wedges for guests, scatter chopped scallions, or top with a handful of toasted pine nuts. These small touches instantly elevate the dish from casual to a bit more festive without extra fuss.

Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice may firm up as it cools, but a quick reheat with a splash of broth or water refreshes it nicely.

Freezing Tips

This dish freezes well, especially if you separate the chicken from the rice before freezing. Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe Without Drying Out

When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep things moist. In the microwave, cover loosely to trap steam and heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals. Oven reheating at 325°F with foil cover also works great to maintain juiciness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work, but they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking and consider slightly reducing the simmer time.

What type of rice is best for this recipe?

Long-grain rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and separate during cooking. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice varieties as they can become mushy.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap chicken thighs for hearty mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I avoid rice sticking to the pot?

Use a heavy-bottomed pot and keep the heat low once simmering starts. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain steam, which helps prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

Making this One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe has become one of my favorite kitchen rituals because it feels like such an effortless win—easy prep, minimal cleanup, and a comforting meal that hits all the right notes. I hope it becomes a staple in your dinner rotation too, bringing you that cozy, home-cooked satisfaction with every spoonful.

Full Printable Recipe