This One Pot Chicken and Rice is a perfect quick-fix meal that’s full of flavor and comfort. The combination of tender, juicy chicken thighs with fluffy, perfectly cooked basmati rice makes for a delicious and satisfying dinner that everyone in the family will love. The smoky paprika and mixed herbs infuse the dish with a deep flavor, while the ease of preparation makes it a go-to weeknight recipe. Customize this recipe to suit your taste! Add your favorite vegetables, a squeeze of lemon for a zesty touch, or substitute the seasonings to create your own spin. It’s a wholesome, nourishing dish that’s great for meal prep and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time you make it!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups uncooked basmati rice (or jasmine/long grain rice)
- 6 bone-in skinless chicken thighs
- 1½ teaspoons mixed herbs (or Italian seasoning/herb de Provence)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable/coconut/avocado oil)
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cups low sodium chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup green onions, chopped (or chives/parsley/coriander for garnish)
Directions:
- In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, mixed herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, coat the chicken thighs with the spice mix, reserving about a teaspoon of seasoning for later.
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin side down, and sear for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- In the same pan, sauté chopped onions until soft. Add butter and stir until melted. Mix in the rinsed rice, toasting it for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour the chicken stock over the rice, add the reserved seasoning, and stir. Deglaze the pan by scraping the bottom while stirring to prevent burning.
- Arrange the chicken thighs over the rice. Cover and cook on low-medium heat for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed.
- Garnish with chopped green onions. Cover, let it stand for 3 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork. Serve and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 441 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A One-Pot Wonder for Everyone
Background and Origin:
One-pot chicken and rice is a classic dish that’s cherished worldwide for its simplicity and comfort. This dish draws influence from a variety of global cuisines—whether it’s the Spanish arroz con pollo, Middle Eastern pilaf, or the Southern-style chicken bog from the United States. It’s a dish that has evolved in different cultures to suit local flavors and traditions, but the concept remains universally loved: tender pieces of chicken cooked together with flavorful rice in one pot, allowing the flavors to meld and create a savory, hearty meal.
Why It’s a Must-Try Recipe:
This One Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It’s the type of recipe that requires minimal effort and results in maximum flavor. It’s a life-saver for busy weeknights, especially when you need to whip up something nutritious yet satisfying for the whole family. By cooking everything in a single pot, you save time on both preparation and cleanup, making it a stress-free choice for anyone who loves to cook but has a packed schedule.
Health Benefits:
- Balanced Meal: This recipe includes a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats. The chicken thighs provide lean protein, while the basmati rice gives a hearty carbohydrate base. Together, they offer a satisfying meal that will keep you full and energized.
- Great for Meal Prep: It stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prepping. The flavors even deepen over time, so your meal will taste just as good, if not better, the next day. Simply portion it out, and you’ll have quick lunches or dinners ready to go.
- Customizable for Dietary Preferences: Whether you prefer white or brown rice, bone-in or boneless chicken, or a mix of different herbs and spices, this recipe is adaptable to your dietary preferences. You can easily add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, peas, or leafy greens to boost the nutrition and color of the dish.
- Gluten-Free and Kid-Friendly: For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure your chicken stock is gluten-free as well. The mild and comforting flavors make it a great choice for kids who may be picky eaters.
Why One Pot Chicken and Rice Is the Best
Perfectly Cooked Rice Every Time:
Rice cooked alongside chicken has a unique flavor that you won’t get if cooked separately. The rice absorbs all the savory juices from the seared chicken and the aromatic seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powders. This gives it a deep, satisfying flavor that makes each bite irresistible. The key to getting fluffy, perfectly cooked rice is to rinse it until the water runs clear before adding it to the pot. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
Golden and Juicy Chicken Thighs:
Chicken thighs are a wonderful choice for this recipe. They stay juicy and tender, even after searing and simmering alongside the rice. Opting for bone-in, skinless thighs enhances the flavor while keeping the dish lighter. Searing the chicken first locks in the moisture and creates a golden, slightly crispy layer on the outside, making every bite flavorful. For those who prefer other cuts of chicken, you can use drumsticks or boneless thighs, but be mindful of the cooking time adjustments to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly.
Efficient Use of Time and Ingredients:
This recipe requires just about 30 minutes of cook time and a few pantry staples, making it both efficient and affordable. You can make this dish your own by tweaking the herbs and spices, adding your favorite vegetables, or even adding a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing touch. Since everything cooks together in one pot, the flavors meld beautifully, and you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create a meal that feels like it’s been simmering all day.
Versatility and Serving Suggestions:
This one-pot chicken and rice dish is versatile and can be served with various sides or garnishes. For a light, fresh touch, serve it alongside a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or asparagus. A dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side can add creaminess and freshness to the dish. You can also sprinkle chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives for a pop of color and a boost of flavor.
Tips for the Best One Pot Chicken and Rice
- Use Low-Sodium Stock: Using low-sodium chicken stock ensures you can control the saltiness of the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
- Toast the Rice: Toasting the rice briefly in the oil before adding the stock helps to develop its flavor and keep the grains separate, preventing a mushy texture.
- Season as You Go: Taste as you cook, adjusting the seasoning as needed. The goal is to layer the flavors, allowing the rice to soak up all the delicious spices and chicken juices.
- Cover and Simmer Gently: Keeping the pot covered and simmering on low-medium heat is key to allowing the rice to cook evenly without burning. Check occasionally, and add a splash more stock or water if necessary.
Cooking Variations and Storage Tips
Baked Version for an Oven-Lover’s Twist:
While this recipe is designed for the stovetop, it can easily be adapted to the oven. After searing the chicken and adding all the ingredients to the pot, cover with an oven-safe lid or foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 50 minutes to an hour. This is perfect if you want to pop the dish in the oven and let it cook while you attend to other tasks.
Make-Ahead and Reheating Tips:
Chicken and rice dishes tend to reheat beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and when ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the rice has dried out a bit, add a splash of water or chicken stock to refresh it. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months; just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Why One Pot Chicken and Rice Should Be a Staple Recipe:
Not only is this dish a comfort classic, but it also teaches you the essential cooking technique of building layers of flavor in one pot. You start with searing the chicken, allowing it to brown and build depth, then move on to sautéing the onions and toasting the rice, and finally simmering everything together in a flavorful broth. This cooking method is efficient and versatile, and once mastered, you can apply it to other one-pot meals like jambalaya, paella, or even risottos.
Conclusion
One Pot Chicken and Rice is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting dish that brings people together. The aromas that fill your kitchen as the chicken and rice cook together will have everyone eagerly awaiting mealtime. It’s the type of recipe you’ll keep returning to because it’s simple, customizable, and always delivers on flavor. Whether you’re a novice cook or a kitchen pro, this one-pot wonder will quickly become a beloved favorite in your home.
