Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Name: One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken thighs; 1 cup long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine); 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced (any color); 1 cup frozen peas; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil

Recipe By:

Lily Hartwell

Posted:

March 29, 2025

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In the heart of every home lies the kitchen, where the aroma of freshly cooked meals dances through the air. Picture this: tender chicken simmering in a savory broth with fluffy rice soaking up all that delicious flavor. That’s what you get with this mouthwatering one-pot chicken and rice dish—comfort food at its finest! You’ll want to dive right into this culinary delight.

Now imagine gathering around the dinner table with your loved ones after a long day. The laughter, the stories shared, and the delightful sounds of forks meeting plates all come together as you enjoy this scrumptious meal. Get ready to explore flavors that will make your taste buds sing!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This one-pot chicken and rice dish saves you time on cleanup while delivering amazing flavor in every bite.
It’s visually appealing with warm colors that invite everyone to dig in.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, it adapts easily to your favorite ingredients.

One evening at my house, I whipped up this dish after an exhausting day at work. My kids took one bite and declared it “the best dinner ever.” I felt like a superhero—no cape required!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless Chicken Thighs: These juicy thighs stay tender during cooking; they’re also more forgiving than breasts if slightly overcooked.
Long-Grain Rice: Opt for long-grain varieties like basmati or jasmine for fluffy results that won’t clump together.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness; homemade is great but store-bought is totally acceptable.
Onions: Sweet onions provide a lovely base flavor; dice them finely so they soften nicely during cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch; use 3-4 cloves depending on how garlicky you like it!
Bell Peppers: Any color works here! They add sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
Frozen Peas: These little gems add a pop of color and sweetness; no need to thaw them beforehand.
Fresh Herbs (like parsley): Chopped herbs brighten up the flavors; sprinkle generously before serving for that fresh touch.
Spices (like paprika and cumin): A blend of spices elevates the dish; feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients :Before diving into cooking, gather all your ingredients. This prep step makes everything smoother later on. Chop your onions and bell peppers into small pieces while mincing garlic cloves until fragrant.

Sauté Aromatics :In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle some oil and toss in your chopped onions along with bell peppers. Cook until they become soft and translucent—around 5 minutes should do it.

Add Chicken :Next up is the star of our show—add your boneless chicken thighs! Season them with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin for that extra kick. Brown both sides till golden brown—about 4 minutes per side will suffice.

Incorporate Rice :Once browned beautifully, stir in rinsed long-grain rice until it’s well-coated in all those yummy juices from the chicken. This ensures every grain absorbs maximum flavor!

Pour in Broth :Now pour in low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything together while bringing it to a gentle boil over high heat before reducing heat to low afterward.

Add Frozen Peas :After 10 minutes of simmering away blissfully covered on low heat—toss in frozen peas without thawing them first! They’ll cook quickly while adding their sweet charm.

Rest & Garnish :Once liquid has evaporated completely (about another 10 minutes), remove from heat but let sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing up with a fork. Don’t forget that final sprinkle of fresh herbs!

This one-pot chicken and rice dish is not only simple but deeply satisfying—a perfect weeknight wonder that turns even ordinary days into something special! Enjoy every last bite as you relish those delectable flavors mingling on your palate.

You Must Know

One-Pot Chicken and Rice is a culinary hug in a bowl!
It’s simple, cozy, and can easily adapt to what you have on hand.
Plus, the aroma of simmering spices makes your kitchen feel like home.
It’s perfect for busy nights when you need comfort food fast.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the chicken to enhance its flavor, then sauté vegetables and add rice for even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or use different spices for a unique twist that suits your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve perfectly cooked rice, ensure you measure the liquid precisely and let it rest after cooking.
Don’t rush the browning process; it adds depth of flavor.
Finally, taste as you go to adjust seasoning perfectly.

Sharing a plate of One-Pot Chicken and Rice with friends always brings smiles and requests for seconds. It’s the ultimate comfort food that turns any dinner into a celebration!

FAQ

What type of rice works best for One-Pot Chicken and Rice?

Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice provides great texture and absorbs flavors well.

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.

How do I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?

Substitute chicken with hearty veggies like mushrooms or chickpeas for a delicious alternative.

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