If there’s one recipe every home cook should have up their sleeve, it’s One Pot Chicken and Rice. This comforting dish combines juicy, seasoned chicken with fluffy, flavorful rice cooked together in a single pan. Loved across cultures—from Middle Eastern pilafs to Latin American arroz con pollo—this dish has stood the test of time. What makes it especially popular today is its simplicity: everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes and maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just one pot, minimal cleanup, and a full meal ready to serve.
- Packed with Flavor: The chicken seasons the rice as it cooks, infusing every bite.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and simple ingredients you likely already have.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spices, vegetables, or rice type to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: A complete meal that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect One Pot Chicken and Rice
- Chicken Thighs – Tender, juicy, and flavorful; they hold up well to slow simmering.
- Long-Grain Rice – Absorbs all the spices and chicken juices for fluffy, flavorful grains.
- Onion & Garlic – Build the savory base with aroma and depth.
- Chicken Broth – Infuses the rice with rich, comforting flavor.
- Green Onions – Added at the end for freshness and color contrast.
- Spices (like paprika, cumin, or pepper) – Elevate the dish with warmth and depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice
- Season the Chicken: Rub chicken thighs with spices, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a heavy pot or skillet, sear chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, cook onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add Rice & Broth: Stir in rice, coat with the aromatics, then pour in chicken broth.
- Nestle Chicken Back In: Place chicken on top of the rice, skin side up, so it stays crisp while rice absorbs flavor.
- Simmer & Cover: Reduce heat, cover tightly, and let it cook until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Expert Tip: Don’t peek too often while the rice is cooking—steam is key to fluffy grains.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make It Spicy: Add chili flakes, cayenne, or jalapeños for heat.
- Add Vegetables: Bell peppers, peas, or carrots make this a balanced one-pot meal.
- Switch the Protein: Try turkey thighs, drumsticks, or even shrimp for variation.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower rice, but reduce broth to prevent sogginess.
How to Store & Reheat
- Store: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to revive the rice’s fluffy texture.
Similar Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this comforting One Pot Chicken and Rice, you’ll love exploring a few more flavorful rice-based dishes. Try this traditional Paella Recipe packed with vibrant Spanish flavors, or make a quick and delicious side with Mexican Rice. For another hearty chicken and rice combination, don’t miss the rich and savory Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice. Each one is bursting with flavor and perfect for weeknight cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use boneless chicken instead of thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken works, but reduce cooking time slightly to avoid drying out.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain varieties like basmati or jasmine are ideal for fluffy, separated grains.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Do I need to rinse the rice first?
Yes, rinsing removes excess starch, ensuring the rice cooks light and fluffy instead of sticky.
One Pot Chicken and Rice is the kind of dish that never goes out of style—comforting, flavorful, and easy enough for busy weeknights. Give it a try, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of chicken and spices simmering together. If you make it, don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments and follow along for more cozy, one-pot recipes!
One Pot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice basmati or jasmine, rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken thighs with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add rice and stir to coat with the aromatics.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Nestle chicken back into the pot on top of the rice.
- Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Cook for 25–30 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from heat, rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff rice.
- Garnish with green onions and serve warm.