One Pot Chicken and Rice is a delightful, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken thighs and fluffy rice in one convenient pot. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a hearty meal without too much fuss. With its simple ingredients and straightforward cooking method, you’ll find that this dish quickly becomes a favorite in your household.
Why Make This Recipe
One Pot Chicken and Rice stands out not just for its flavor but also for its simplicity. It combines protein, grain, and vegetables all in one dish, making cleanup effortless. This recipe is versatile and relatively forgiving, allowing for variations based on your pantry staples. Plus, with the warm, savory aroma filling your kitchen as it cooks, you can look forward to a meal that feels homey and satisfying.
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice
Creating a delicious One Pot Chicken and Rice is simpler than you might think. Just follow these clear steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal to share with your loved ones.
Ingredients:
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- 1½ cups uncooked basmati rice
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1½ tsp mixed herbs (substitute with Italian seasoning or herb de Provence)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion, chopped (any type of onion would work for this recipe)
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup green onions to garnish (sub with chives, parsley, or coriander)
Directions:
To start making your One Pot Chicken and Rice, follow these directions:
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In a small mixing bowl, combine the smoked paprika, mixed herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix them well to create a seasoning blend.
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Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear; this step helps remove excess starch. Set the rinsed rice aside.
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Place chicken thighs in a larger bowl and sprinkle them with the seasoning, reserving about a teaspoon for later. Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is well-coated with flavors.
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Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken thighs, skin side down. Sear them for about 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. If the oil looks excessive at this stage, feel free to blot it with a paper towel; the chicken will release some oil during cooking.
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In the same pot, add the chopped onions to the leftover oil and sauté until soft and translucent. Next, stir in the butter until melted.
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Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot and toast it in the onion mixture for about one to two minutes. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
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Next, pour the low-sodium chicken stock over the rice and add the reserved seasoning blend. Stir to combine thoroughly, and make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan while deglazing to avoid burning the rice.
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Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, arrange the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice.
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Cover the pot with its lid and reduce the heat to low-medium. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the rice you are using. The rice should be tender, fluffy, and the liquid should be absorbed.
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After cooking, garnish the rice with chopped green onions, cover the pot, and let it rest for an additional 3 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
Pro Tips for Success with One Pot Chicken and Rice
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Rinse the rice properly: To ensure fluffy rice, it’s crucial to rinse it well until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch that can make the rice sticky.
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Sear the chicken: Don’t skip the searing step! This adds a depth of flavor and texture to the chicken while keeping it juicy.
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Adjust seasoning as needed: Everyone’s taste preferences differ. Don’t hesitate to taste the rice mixture as it cooks and add more seasoning if desired.
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Choose the right pot: A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven works best for even cooking and distribution of heat.
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Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to rest after cooking gives the flavors time to mingle and enhances the overall taste.
Flavor Variations for One Pot Chicken and Rice
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Curry Chicken and Rice: Add a tablespoon of curry powder to the seasoning blend for a fragrant Indian twist.
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Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: Incorporate the zest and juice of one lemon into the rice for a refreshing citrus flavor.
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Spicy Chicken and Rice: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat that complements the dish beautifully.
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Vegetable Chicken and Rice: Toss in some frozen peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Serving Suggestions for One Pot Chicken and Rice
One Pot Chicken and Rice pairs well with a variety of sides to round out your meal:
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Green salad: A fresh salad with vinaigrette is light and tangy, offering a refreshing contrast to the hearty rice.
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Steamed vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans complement the dish perfectly.
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Crusty bread: Serve with a side of your favorite bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for One Pot Chicken and Rice
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken stock to prevent dryness.
For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|———-|———|——-|—–|——-|——–|
| 450 | 30g | 50g | 15g | 2g | 600mg |
FAQ About One Pot Chicken and Rice
Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like chicken breasts or drumsticks. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly. Breasts may cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have basmati rice?
No problem! You can substitute basmati rice with long-grain white rice or jasmine rice. Just make sure to check the cooking times as they can differ.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace chicken thighs with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Also, consider adding a mix of your favorite vegetables.
How can I ensure my rice doesn’t burn?
To prevent burning, make sure to deglaze the pot after adding the chicken stock and keep the heat at a low-medium setting. Keeping the lid on during cooking also helps trap steam, ensuring even cooking.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add frozen vegetables like peas and carrots or fresh vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. Just ensure they are added at the right time, so they don’t overcook.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Chicken and Rice is not only a robust and comforting dish but also an easy recipe that almost anyone can master. With its variety of flavors and the ease of preparation, this dish makes for a perfect meal any day of the week. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing for meal prep, One Pot Chicken and Rice proves that hearty, home-cooked meals don’t have to come with a long list of complicated steps. Enjoy the connection of flavor and comfort in every bite!
Print
One Pot Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken thighs and fluffy rice cooked in one convenient pot.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups uncooked basmati rice
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1½ tsp mixed herbs (or Italian seasoning)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Combine smoked paprika, mixed herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl to create a seasoning blend.
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear, then set aside.
- Sprinkle the seasoning on the chicken thighs, mixing thoroughly.
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat and sear chicken thighs for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until soft. Stir in butter until melted.
- Add the rinsed rice and toast in the onion mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour chicken stock over the rice and add reserved seasoning. Stir to combine and scrape the bottom of the pot.
- Arrange the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice, cover, reduce heat to low-medium, and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Once cooked, garnish with green onions, let rest for 3 minutes, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.
Notes
For guaranteed fluffy rice, ensure it is properly rinsed before cooking. Adjust seasoning based on personal preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
