One Pot Chicken and Rice is the ultimate answer to a busy weeknight when you crave comfort food without the mountain of dishes to clean up afterwards. Each spoonful is layered with tender chicken, fluffy, perfectly seasoned rice, and pops of sweet vegetables, making it a soul-satisfying meal that the whole family will love. The best part? Everything comes together in a single pot, blending savory flavors in every bite while making cleanup a breeze. This dish is my go-to whenever I need something wholesome, hearty, and delivered with minimal fuss—a true hero in the world of simple home cooking.

One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how a handful of kitchen staples can transform into something so flavorful. Each ingredient in this One Pot Chicken and Rice recipe plays an important role, from building the savory foundation to adding vibrant color and a pop of freshness at the end.

Olive oil: Gives a rich, fruity base and helps everything sauté to golden perfection.
Onion: Diced for a mellow sweetness that infuses every bite—don’t skip the onion, it’s an aromatic game changer.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings that classic, mouthwatering aroma and depth.
Chicken thighs or breasts: Cut into chunks, they soak up all those delicious spices while staying juicy and tender.
Salt: Essential for drawing out flavors and balancing the whole pot.
Black pepper: Adds just a bit of warmth—freshly cracked if possible for the brightest flavor.
Paprika: For subtle smokiness and a lovely blush of color.
Dried thyme: A pinch of earthy, herby goodness that makes the whole dish taste like it simmered all afternoon.
Long grain white rice: Rinsed for extra-fluffy results that won’t clump together. Trust me—rinsing makes a difference!
Chicken broth: The liquid gold that ties it all together, giving rich chicken flavor to both meat and rice.
Frozen peas and carrots (optional): Stir them in for a burst of color and sweetness—no chopping required if you’re short on time.
Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end brightens the finished dish with freshness and a pop of green.

How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start with a generous swirl of olive oil in your favorite large pot set over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it cook for a couple of minutes until it turns soft and translucent—the kitchen will instantly smell like something special is on the way. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. These two ingredients create a deep, aromatic foundation that infuses the entire dish from the very first step.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add your chicken chunks right into the pot, nestling them in amongst the onions and garlic. Season generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme, then give everything a good stir. Cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s just lightly browned on all sides—but it doesn’t need to be cooked through yet, as it will finish cooking with the rice. Those spices coating the chicken will flavor the rice later on and turn it into a dish with real depth.

Step 3: Add Rice and Coat with Spices

Stir in the rinsed long grain white rice, letting it soak up all the oil and seasonings left in the pot. This is a quick but crucial move—the rice will start toasting, amplifying its nutty flavor, and each grain will be beautifully coated in spice. It’s a minor detail, but oh, it makes a big difference in the final texture and taste of your One Pot Chicken and Rice.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it all to a gentle boil. This is where the magic happens: the rice absorbs fragrant liquid, the chicken gets extra juicy, and the whole pot becomes irresistible. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let everything cook for 18 to 20 minutes, undisturbed. For extra veggie goodness, stir in the frozen peas and carrots during the last 5 minutes of cooking so they warm through without losing their color or bite.

Step 5: Rest and Fluff

When the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, pull the pot off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes with the lid still on. This quick pause lets the flavors settle and the rice finish steaming—total game changer for achieving fluffy, not mushy, rice. Lift the lid, fluff the One Pot Chicken and Rice with a fork, and marvel at the inviting, steamy contents of your pot!

How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

The finishing touch can turn your pot of cozy goodness into a table-ready showstopper. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for brightness and a hint of herbaceousness that pairs beautifully with the savory rice and chicken. For extra flair, try a squeeze of lemon, a little grated parmesan, or even some chili flakes if you like a subtle kick—these small touches make your One Pot Chicken and Rice stand out.

Side Dishes

While this recipe truly stands on its own, you can easily turn your meal into a mini-feast. Pair it with a crisp green salad, some crusty garlic bread, or a platter of fresh veggies and hummus. If you’re feeling especially homey, a bowl of soup or a light slaw on the side will round things off perfectly and make dinner feel extra abundant.

Creative Ways to Present

To jazz up the presentation, portion your One Pot Chicken and Rice into individual bowls and top each with different garnishes—think sliced avocado, toasted nuts, or a quick tomato salsa. For casual gatherings, serve straight from the pot at the table, letting everyone help themselves. If you want to up the wow factor for a family dinner, shape the rice and chicken in a small bowl and invert it on a plate for a perfectly domed, restaurant-style look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Chicken and Rice makes a fantastic next-day lunch, and storing it is a breeze. Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, staying moist and flavorful. Pro tip: If you’re storing a big batch, portion it out for easy grab-and-go meals during the week.

Freezing

This dish is also freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal prep. Once cooled, pack the One Pot Chicken and Rice into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (make sure to squeeze out any excess air). It’ll last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, preserving both the texture and taste.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop your portion in the microwave, loosely covered, for 1–2 minutes or until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the rice needs a bit of loosening. You can also reheat gently in a pot on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Just be careful not to overcook, as too much heat can dry out the chicken and rice. A quick fluff after reheating returns the One Pot Chicken and Rice to its just-cooked glory.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a great option that brings more fiber and a chewy texture. Just be sure to increase both the cooking time and add about half a cup more chicken broth. Keep an eye on it as it simmers—you’re looking for tender rice and all the liquid absorbed.

Do I have to use chicken thighs, or can I substitute with breasts?

You can use either chicken thighs or breasts; both work beautifully in this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving, but chicken breasts turn out wonderfully moist as long as you don’t overcook them during the browning step.

What other vegetables can I add?

While frozen peas and carrots are a quick and colorful choice, you can absolutely toss in some chopped bell pepper, corn, or even spinach in the last few minutes for an extra veggie boost. Just keep in mind the cooking times so each veggie keeps its best texture.

Can I make One Pot Chicken and Rice ahead of time?

Yes, it’s super meal-prep friendly! Make the entire dish, cool it completely, then store as directed. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers even tastier. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for lunchboxes or grab-and-go dinners.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes along with the paprika and thyme when seasoning the chicken. You can also serve with hot sauce or sliced jalapeños for anyone wanting to dial up the zing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a foolproof, family-approved dinner that comes together in one pot and delivers cozy, crave-worthy results every time, give this One Pot Chicken and Rice a try. It just might become your new weeknight staple—and chances are, it’ll find a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation. Grab those simple ingredients and let the magic happen!