Description
This One-Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables all cooked in a single pot, it offers a comforting, nutritious, and family-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs or 4 boneless chicken breasts
Grains
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- ½ cup peas (frozen or fresh)
Liquids
- 3 cups chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Prepare and Brown the Chicken: Heat oil or butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the chicken to the pot skin-side down and cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies: In the same pot, add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step builds the delicious base for your One-Pot Chicken and Rice.
- Add Rice and Spices: Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it well in the aromatic mixture. Sprinkle in cumin, additional paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toast the rice lightly for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a gentle stir. Carefully nestle the browned chicken pieces on top of the rice and veggies. Bring the pot to a simmer, then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
- Cook Until Tender: Let everything cook gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through. In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle in peas for a burst of color and sweetness.
- Rest and Serve: Turn off the heat and let the pot sit covered for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the rice finish absorbing moisture for perfect texture. Fluff the rice lightly and serve hot.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor and moisture.
- Don’t skip browning the chicken; it adds richness and depth.
- Measure rice and liquid precisely to ensure fluffy rice.
- Keep the lid on during cooking to trap steam and cook rice evenly.
- Let the dish rest after cooking to improve texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-pot stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg