Name: One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs or breasts; 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine recommended); 3 cups chicken broth; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup carrots or peas; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 62 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, cozy meal that feels like a warm hug, this One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. This delightful dish brings tender, golden chicken and fluffy, flavorful rice together in one pot, infusing every bite with rich, savory goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to classic you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of raw cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center right, a white plate holds five raw pink chicken thighs with smooth, slightly wet texture. Above and to the right, a clear glass bowl contains small diced bright orange carrots. Next to the carrots, fresh green parsley lies flat with leafy texture. Above the parsley, a small clear bowl holds a golden yellow liquid, likely oil. Near the center top, a white dish is filled with various dry spices in separated small piles, showing colors of red, white, black, and beige. To the left of the spice plate, a small beige bowl contains minced garlic with a rough texture. Above the garlic, a clear glass bowl holds small white diced onions. At the bottom left, a beige bowl filled with uncooked white rice grains is placed beside a glass measuring cup full of light brown broth or stock. The whole setup is evenly lit, giving a clean and fresh feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe plays a vital role, giving the dish its signature balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender chicken thighs to the fragrant herbs and vibrant vegetables, these essentials come together effortlessly, promising a comforting and satisfying meal.

4 chicken thighs or breasts: Choose bone-in for extra juiciness or boneless for convenience; both work beautifully.
1 1/2 cups long-grain rice: Basmati or jasmine rice are best for that perfect fluffy, separate grain texture.
3 cups chicken broth: The foundation that infuses the rice with savory depth.
1 onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warmth and richness without overpowering.
1 cup carrots or peas: For a pop of color and natural sweetness to brighten the dish.
1 tsp paprika: Offers a gentle smoky, earthy flavor and a lovely hue.
1 tsp thyme: The herbaceous note that elevates every bite.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.

How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating a bit of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Place them skin side down and sear until the skin is golden brown and slightly crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and builds that crave-worthy flavor. Once beautifully browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently. Cook until softened and fragrant, roughly 3–4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken. This forms a flavorful base that will deeply infuse the rice.

Step 3: Add Rice, Broth, and Vegetables

Pour in the long-grain rice and stir well to coat the grains with the onion and garlic mixture. Then, add the chicken broth, chopped carrots or peas, thyme, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of fresh pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the ingredients evenly across the pot.

Step 4: Nestle the Chicken and Simmer

Carefully place the seared chicken back on top of the rice mixture, skin side up if using thighs, so it crisps slightly during cooking. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. Resist the urge to lift the lid and peek too often as the steam inside does the magic.

Step 5: Let It Rest

Once done, remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and the rice to finish absorbing any last bits of broth, ensuring every forkful is bursting with taste.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a light gray textured pot filled with cooked yellow rice mixed with small pieces of white chicken, bright orange shredded carrots, and chopped green celery, all mixed with bits of green herbs. A wooden spoon scoops up a portion of the rice mixture, lifting it above the pot to reveal the layered mixture of colors and textures. The white marbled surface under the pot is softly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your dish up a notch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the top for a pop of green and fresh herbal brightness. A wedge of lemon on the side is a perfect finishing touch that adds a zesty contrast and lifts all the flavors.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines wonderfully on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. A side of warm, crusty bread also pairs nicely for soaking up any leftover juices.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe family-style straight from the pot for a cozy, communal vibe. Alternatively, plate individual servings topped with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a little kick. It’s also delightful stuffed inside a warm pita for a fun twist on the traditional presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken and rice store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even further as it rests overnight, making for an easy next-day meal.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that rice texture may soften slightly after freezing, but the taste remains just as comforting.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the rice’s moisture. Cover while reheating to keep everything tender and warm evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both work wonderfully in this recipe. Just keep an eye on breasts as they cook a bit faster to avoid drying out. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Do I need to wash the rice before cooking?

Rinsing your rice briefly under cold water removes excess starch and helps prevent the dish from becoming gummy, which is a simple trick to keep your rice fluffy.

Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?

Yes! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or green beans for extra nutrition and variety. Just chop them roughly and add them with the broth so they cook perfectly.

Is it okay to use store-bought broth?

Store-bought broth works great and keeps things convenient. For deeper flavor, you can use homemade broth or enhance the store-bought with a splash of soy sauce or herbs.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. The meat should feel firm yet juicy when pierced with a fork.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create magic in your kitchen. It’s comforting, easy, and full of flavor, making it one of those dishes that quickly becomes a beloved staple. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!