There is something truly comforting about a hearty, flavorful dish that comes together in just one pot, and this One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is exactly that kind of meal. Imagine tender chicken thighs, perfectly cooked rice, and vibrant peas all infused with aromatic garlic, onion, and a hint of smoky paprika. This dish is a weeknight hero that requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum satisfaction, making dinner a delightful experience whether you’re cooking for family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, creating layers of flavor and texture, while keeping the process straightforward and accessible to cooks of any skill level.
- 1 pound chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, they stay tender even after simmering.
- 1 cup rice: Absorbs the rich broth perfectly, ensuring fluffy, well-seasoned grains.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Tenderizes the rice and deepens the chicken’s flavor.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic base for the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, pungent punch that elevates every bite.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Offers a pop of color and a fresh burst of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky depth and vibrant hue.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it’s shimmering. Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir them for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its inviting fragrance. This step builds the flavor foundation that will carry through the entire dish.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add them to the pot and let them brown on each side for 4 to 5 minutes without moving them too much. This process locks in moisture and creates a beautiful golden crust that enhances the taste and texture of your one-pot masterpiece.
Step 3: Add Rice and Broth
Once the chicken has a nice sear, stir in the rice so it coats with the flavorful oil and chicken juices. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring gently to combine everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which signals that it’s time to transition to a slow simmer to ensure the rice cooks perfectly.
Step 4: Simmer and Cook
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot tightly with a lid. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. During this time, the rice absorbs the broth and all the lovely seasonings meld with the chicken, resulting in tender meat and fluffy grains.
Step 5: Add Peas and Finish Cooking
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. They’ll warm through and maintain their bright color and slight sweetness without turning mushy. Once the timer is up, remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes to settle all the flavors perfectly before serving.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a lovely freshness and color contrast that instantly brightens the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice can also bring a zesty lift to cut through the richness and balance the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. You might also enjoy serving it alongside some warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover broth at the bottom of the pot.
Creative Ways to Present
For an appealing presentation, try serving the One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe in colorful bowls or on rustic wooden platters. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-quality touch that will impress your guests without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it just as delicious if not more so when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this recipe freezes nicely. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that rice texture may change slightly after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the mixture seems dry. Stir occasionally to ensure everything heats evenly and the chicken remains tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay more moist and tender during cooking, chicken breasts can also work. Just be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is ideal because it cooks evenly and remains separate without becoming sticky. Avoid instant or pre-cooked rice as they won’t absorb the broth properly.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to make sure everything is tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. Always check labels if you are sensitive or cooking for someone with allergies.
How spicy is the paprika in the dish?
The paprika adds a mild smoky warmth without heat. If you love spice, you can enhance it with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning the chicken.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is a true culinary winner, bringing together simplicity, flavor, and convenience in the most delightful way. I encourage you to give it a try and experience just how satisfying and comforting an easy home-cooked meal can be. Once you make it, I bet it will become a favorite go-to recipe in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!
Print
One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting one-pot chicken and rice recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken thighs with fluffy rice, savory chicken broth, and sweet peas. Cooked all together in a single pot, this meal is perfect for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Grains and Broth
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring frequently until fragrant and translucent, around 2 to 3 minutes.
- Brown the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Place them in the pot and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until nicely browned.
- Add rice and broth: Stir in the rice and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is cooked through and the chicken is tender.
- Add peas: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas to heat through.
- Rest and serve: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor or boneless for quicker cooking.
- Substitute the frozen peas with other vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers if desired.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or fresh herbs like thyme during simmering.
- Ensure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness.
- If the rice is not fully cooked after simmering, add a little more broth and continue cooking until tender.
