Our Favorite One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that’s pure comfort but easy enough for a busy weeknight, Our Favorite One-Pot Chicken and Rice delivers every single time. Juicy chicken, perfectly fluffy rice, and a medley of aromatics all simmer together, letting every flavor mingle for a dinner that’s both homey and impressive. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just spoiling yourself, this dish brings the kind of warmth to the table that everyone remembers. If you’re looking for a dinner that barely creates any dishes without skimping on taste, you’re in the right place!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity here—every ingredient has a job to do in making this meal more than the sum of its parts. A handful of pantry staples and some fresh produce come together to create something magical, so don’t skip anything!

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These give rich flavor and keep the meat wonderfully juicy during cooking.
• Long-grain white rice: This ensures a fluffy texture that won’t turn mushy as everything cooks together.
• Yellow onion: Sautéed until translucent, it adds a sweet base note that’s essential for building flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Just a few cloves deepen the overall flavor and give a homestyle fragrance.
• Carrots: Diced or sliced, these add subtle sweetness and a splash of color.
• Frozen peas: Tossed in at the end, they bring a pop of green and a tender bite.
• Chicken broth: Cooking the rice in broth adds so much more depth than water ever could.
• Olive oil: Used for browning the chicken and sautéing the veggies, it adds flavor and richness.
• Bay leaf: Just one gives an aromatic boost that perfumes the whole pot.
• Ground paprika: Smoked or sweet, paprika brings a gentle warmth and beautiful color.
• Salt and black pepper: For perfectly seasoning every layer of the dish.
• Chopped fresh parsley: Sprinkled on top, it brightens every serving.

How to Make Our Favorite One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs well with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika, then lay them skin-side down to sear until they’re golden and crispy. This not only locks in moisture but creates those craveable browned bits that flavor the entire pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Once the chicken is browned but not cooked through, remove it to a plate. Toss diced onions and carrots into the same pot—let them soak up all those tasty drippings! Cook until the onions turn soft and translucent, then add minced garlic and a bay leaf for an intensely fragrant base.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Bloom the Spices

Pour the uncooked rice into the pot with the veggies. Stir well to let the grains get coated in oil and pick up all the flavors lingering at the bottom. Sprinkle in more paprika, ensuring every grain absorbs that color and subtle smokiness.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Chicken

Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pot, skin-side up, tucking them right into the rice. Then pour in your chicken broth, making sure the rice is completely submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and let everything cook together so the rice becomes tender and each bite gets infused with savory chicken flavor.

Step 5: Add the Peas and Finish

About five minutes before everything’s done, scatter the frozen peas over the top. Replace the lid and finish cooking until the peas are bright green and the rice is cooked through. Let the finished Our Favorite One-Pot Chicken and Rice rest off heat for a few minutes before serving—it’ll be even more delicious.

How to Serve Our Favorite One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

This dish begs for a handful of fresh chopped parsley to be tossed on top—don’t skip it! A little squeeze of lemon juice or a quick grate of lemon zest can also wake up the flavors right before you dig in. If you’re feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of grated parmesan adds a savory finish.

Side Dishes

Honestly, Our Favorite One-Pot Chicken and Rice can be a star all on its own, but if you want to round out the table, serve it with a crisp green salad or simple roasted veggies. A side of crusty bread is another winner for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

You can plate each chicken thigh atop a mound of rice for a dramatic effect, or serve family-style straight from the pot for a rustic, heartwarming look. If you’re prepping for a dinner party, garnish each serving with edible flowers or herbs for a little wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the dish has cooled, transfer leftovers into airtight containers. Our Favorite One-Pot Chicken and Rice keeps well in the fridge for up to three days—making it perfect for meal prepping or easy lunches.

Freezing

This recipe is freezer-friendly! Simply cool everything down, portion into containers, and freeze for up to three months. Just keep in mind the rice may soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavors get even deeper.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of extra broth. This helps the rice stay moist and the chicken regain its tender texture, tasting almost as good as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely, but you’ll need to add extra broth and increase the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to become tender. Keep an eye on the liquid level to prevent burning.

What if I only have boneless, skinless chicken?

No problem! Boneless, skinless chicken works in a pinch, but you may lose a bit of richness and juiciness. Just shorten the cooking time slightly so the chicken stays tender.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for thick-sliced mushrooms or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The result will be just as cozy and flavorful!

Is it spicy?

Our Favorite One-Pot Chicken and Rice is flavorful but not spicy as written. If you want a little heat, feel free to add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the pot with the veggies.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe is easy to scale up. Just be sure to use a larger pot so the rice has enough room to cook evenly, and adjust liquid and seasoning amounts as needed for perfect results.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to one-pot cooking or it’s already your dinnertime go-to, Our Favorite One-Pot Chicken and Rice is sure to become a staple in your rotation. Give it a try and let the irresistible aromas convince your family that something truly special is simmering in your kitchen tonight!

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