The Best One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe for Busy Nights

Crafting a delightful one pot chicken and rice melody brings pure comfort to your kitchen adventures.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions that minimize cleanup stress.

Busy home cooks understand the magic of streamlined meal preparation.

Fragrant spices and tender chicken pieces create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Each ingredient works together, promising a memorable dining experience.

Minimal dishes and maximum satisfaction await your culinary exploration.

Grab your favorite skillet and let this recipe become your new weeknight hero.

One Pot Chicken And Rice FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but increase the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice requires more liquid and takes longer to cook, so adjust accordingly to achieve the right texture.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free chicken stock and ensure your seasoned salt is gluten-free. The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you choose the right ingredients.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. They cook evenly and absorb the flavors well. Cut them into uniform pieces for consistent cooking.

What Makes One Pot Chicken And Rice So Handy

• Simplify Meal Prep: This one-pot wonder eliminates multiple cooking steps, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving precious energy after a long day.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort: Combine protein-rich chicken with hearty rice and sweet carrots for a balanced, satisfying meal that nourishes the whole family.
• Adaptable Flavor Profile: Customize the dish with your favorite herbs or spices, making it versatile for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly Cooking: Uses affordable ingredients and minimal cookware, perfect for home cooks looking to create delicious meals without breaking the bank.

What You’ll Use For One Pot Chicken And Rice

• Chicken: Protein that forms the heart of this comforting one-pot meal.
• Rice: Fluffy grain that absorbs the rich flavors and creates a satisfying base.
• Chicken Stock: Provides depth of flavor and moisture for cooking the rice and chicken.

• Butter, Seasoned Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for adding richness, seasoning, and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Dried Onion, Dried Garlic, Dried Parsley Flakes: Aromatic ingredients that contribute complex flavor layers without using fresh ingredients.

• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness, color, and nutritional value to the one-pot meal.

How To Cook One Pot Chicken And Rice In One Go

Step 1: Prepare Butter Sauté

Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add shredded carrots and season with seasoned salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until carrots become tender and soft.

Step 2: Toast Rice and Aromatics

Add rice, dried onion, and dried garlic to the pot. Stir to coat the rice in melted butter and sauté for 1 minute to enhance flavor. Sprinkle dried parsley flakes and mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Create Liquid Base

Pour chicken stock into the pot and increase heat to high. Stir occasionally to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. When mixture reaches a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Chicken

Season chicken pieces with seasoned salt and pepper. Add chicken to the pot and slightly increase heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 7-10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and rice reaches al dente texture.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Stir in remaining butter to create a rich, creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to thicken and allow flavors to meld. Scoop into warm bowls and enjoy immediately.

Helpful Tricks For One Pot Chicken And Rice

• Boost Butter Flavor: Use high-quality unsalted butter for a richer, more complex taste that enhances the overall dish's depth.
• Prevent Rice Sticking: Stir frequently and keep heat low to ensure rice cooks evenly without burning or clumping at the bottom of the pot.
• Chicken Doneness Check: Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe, perfectly cooked protein every time.
• Veggie Variations: Swap shredded carrots with diced zucchini, bell peppers, or frozen mixed vegetables for added nutrition and color variety.
• Quick Meal Prep: Make extra portions and store in airtight containers for easy lunch or dinner reheating within 3-4 days.

Tasty Takes On One Pot Chicken And Rice

• Veggie Lovers' Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or mixed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Swap dried herbs with fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano, and use olive oil instead of butter for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, replace seasoned salt with chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper, and mix in black beans for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower and use bone broth instead of chicken stock to maintain a hearty, protein-rich meal with reduced carbohydrates.

What Matches Well With One Pot Chicken And Rice

• Complement Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness of the buttery chicken and rice, offering a clean palate experience.
• Pair with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a zesty side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty one-pot meal and add a bright, crisp contrast.
• Enhance with Herbed Bread: Serve warm, crusty French bread or garlic toast alongside the dish to soak up the delicious buttery sauce and provide a complementary texture.
• Match with Chilled Citrus Water: Prepare a light, refreshing citrus-infused water with lemon or orange slices to cleanse the palate and provide a hydrating accompaniment that doesn't overpower the dish's subtle flavors.

How To Store One Pot Chicken And Rice Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers. Label with date and contents. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from container.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken stock to restore moisture. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Pour chicken and rice into skillet. Add small amount of chicken stock or water. Cover and warm over medium-low heat.

One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 33–37 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty one pot chicken and rice, blending tender chicken with perfectly seasoned grains. Savory herbs and simple ingredients create a satisfying meal that brings families together without complicated kitchen work.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts (1 pound/454 grams, cut into bite-sized pieces)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 heaping cup shredded or chopped carrots
• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic

Rice and Seasonings:

• 2 scant cups long-grain white rice (Lundberg White Jasmine Rice recommended)
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
• 4–6 tablespoons butter or vegan butter (divided)
• 8 cups chicken stock
• Homemade seasoned salt and pepper (see notes)

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
2. Introduce shredded carrots to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper, then cover to steam and soften for 5-6 minutes.
3. Fold in rice, dried onion, and dried garlic, coating thoroughly in the melted butter and toasting for 1 minute to enhance their aromatic qualities.
4. Sprinkle dried parsley flakes into the mixture, distributing evenly throughout the ingredients.
5. Pour chicken stock into the pot, increasing heat to high and stirring periodically to prevent rice from sticking.
6. Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, occasionally stirring to ensure even cooking.
7. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then gently nestle into the partially cooked rice mixture.
8. Adjust heat slightly to maintain a consistent simmer, cooking for 7-10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and rice reaches al dente texture.
9. Incorporate remaining butter, stirring to create a rich, glossy finish.
10. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
11. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
12. Serve warm, scooping into bowls and enjoying the harmonious blend of chicken and rice.

Notes

• Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to make the dish gluten-free and lower in carbohydrates.
• Use bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor and more tender meat that stays moist during cooking.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the last few minutes of cooking to boost aromatic complexity.
• For a dairy-free version, replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil while maintaining similar richness and depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 28–32 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg