Let me tell you about my absolute go-to dish when I’m in need of comfort food that’s both simple and hearty: one pot chicken and rice! This dish is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when I want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Picture this: tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant peas all cooked together in one pot, soaking up all those flavors. It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl!
What I love most is how easy it is to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for those evenings when time is tight but I still want to serve my family something wholesome. Plus, this has become a family favorite over the years because it’s so adaptable! Everyone can enjoy it, and I can sneak in some extra veggies here and there without anyone batting an eye. Trust me, once you try this one pot chicken and rice, it’ll be a staple in your home too!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious one pot chicken and rice. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs: I love using bone-in chicken for richer flavor, but you can also use skinless, boneless thighs if you prefer.
- 2 cups long-grain rice: This type of rice cooks up fluffy and perfectly absorbs all the yummy flavors of the dish.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Using low-sodium broth helps control the saltiness, allowing you to season to your taste.
- 1 onion, chopped: A medium onion adds a wonderful sweetness and depth to our one pot wonder.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must! It brings that aromatic punch that makes it oh-so-good.
- 1 cup frozen peas: They add a pop of color and sweetness. Plus, no prep needed—just toss them in frozen!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is for sautéing the onion and garlic, adding a lovely richness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: A sprinkle of paprika gives a touch of smokiness and a beautiful hue to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season! Adjust to your preference for the best flavor.
Having these ingredients prepped and ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Trust me, you’ll be so glad you did!
How to Prepare One Pot Chicken and Rice
Now, let’s get down to the delicious part—preparing our one pot chicken and rice! I promise, it’s as easy as it sounds! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal on the table in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it warm enough to sauté but not so hot that it smokes.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. Oh, the smell is just heavenly!
- Next up, add the 1.5 lbs of bone-in chicken thighs to the pot. Brown them on both sides for about 6-7 minutes. This step is crucial; it locks in flavor and gives that gorgeous color!
- Now, stir in the 2 cups of long-grain rice along with 1 teaspoon of paprika, and sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Mix everything together well for about a minute, letting the rice soak up those lovely flavors.
- Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This is the moment where everything starts to come together!
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is where the magic happens—don’t lift the lid during this time!
- After 20 minutes, add in 1 cup of frozen peas and stir gently. Cook for another 5 minutes with the lid on. The peas will warm through and turn that beautiful green!
- Finally, fluff the rice with a fork, mixing everything gently. Serve warm, and enjoy the cozy goodness!
And there you have it! A simple, one-pot meal that’s full of flavor and perfect for any night of the week.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, I love knowing that I can indulge without completely derailing my healthy eating goals. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving of this one pot chicken and rice:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands of ingredients and any modifications you make. It’s a well-rounded meal that packs a punch of protein and flavor, making it a fantastic choice for a satisfying dinner!
Tips for Success
To make sure your one pot chicken and rice turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips and tricks!
- Seasoning is key: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Sometimes a little extra pinch of salt can elevate the flavors beautifully.
- Use bone-in chicken: I swear by using bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe. They’re juicy, flavorful, and make the broth rich and delicious. If you prefer boneless, that’s fine too, but you might want to add a bit more seasoning to compensate.
- Feel free to add veggies: This dish is so versatile! You can sneak in more veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach. Just add them in with the peas, and they’ll cook perfectly.
- Keep the lid on: When you cover the pot during cooking, it traps steam and helps cook the rice evenly. Resist the urge to peek! Lifting the lid can release steam and extend cooking time.
- Let it rest: After you fluff the rice, let the pot sit covered for a few minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together and gives the rice a chance to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to bring it back to life!
These little tips will help ensure your one pot chicken and rice is not only delicious but also a breeze to make. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations
One of the best things about one pot chicken and rice is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch things up based on what you have in your pantry or your family’s taste preferences. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Vegetable Medley: Want to sneak in more veggies? You can add chopped carrots, bell peppers, or even green beans right along with the onion and garlic. Just remember to adjust cooking times if you’re adding heartier vegetables!
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the onion and garlic. It’ll give your dish a nice warm glow!
- Curry Twist: For a flavor adventure, try adding a tablespoon of curry powder instead of paprika. It transforms the dish into a fragrant, exotic delight that’s sure to impress!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can elevate your dish. Just toss in a few sprigs with the rice for an aromatic touch that makes the whole meal feel special.
- Quinoa Substitute: If you’re looking for a grain swap, try using quinoa instead of rice. It cooks quickly and adds a nice nutty flavor while boosting the protein content!
- Lemon Zest: For a refreshing twist, add the zest of one lemon along with the broth. It brings a bright flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Feel free to get creative and adjust the spices or ingredients to suit your taste. Cooking should be fun, and this dish is all about making it your own!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready without any fuss!
- One-Pot Convenience: Who doesn’t love a meal that means less cleanup? Everything cooks together in one pot!
- Flavors that Shine: The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and aromatic spices creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
- Hearty and Satisfying: This is a comfort food classic that fills you up and warms your soul.
- Healthy Meal Option: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a balanced choice for a wholesome dinner.
- Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite veggies or spices, making it perfect for any palate.
- Quick to Cook: From start to finish, you can have this meal on the table in about 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious one pot chicken and rice, you might be wondering what to serve alongside it for a complete meal. I love to pair it with a few simple sides that complement the flavors without overshadowing this comforting dish. Here are some of my favorites:
- Fresh Garden Salad: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch. It’s the perfect contrast to the hearty chicken and rice!
- Garlic Bread: Who can resist warm, buttery garlic bread? It’s a fantastic way to soak up any leftover juices on your plate and adds a deliciously indulgent element to the meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Keep it simple with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. They’re quick to prepare and pack in some extra nutrients to balance out your dinner.
- Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw brings a crunchy, cool element to the table that pairs beautifully with the warm, savory flavors of the chicken and rice.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: For a bit of sweetness, roasted sweet potatoes drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt make for a tasty side that complements the dish’s savory notes.
Feel free to mix and match these sides based on your mood or what you have on hand. The idea is to create a balanced meal that everyone will love. Enjoy your cozy dinner, and don’t be surprised if this becomes a regular on your meal rotation!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about what to do with those tasty leftovers from your one pot chicken and rice! I’m all about maximizing flavor and minimizing waste, so here’s how to store and reheat it like a pro.
First things first, once your delicious meal has cooled down a bit, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. I usually portion it out so it’s easy to grab for lunch or dinner later in the week. This dish will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly to retain that yummy flavor!
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Scoop your chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room for expansion (trust me, you don’t want any explosions!). It’ll stay good in the freezer for about 2-3 months.
Now, when it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key to maintaining that delightful texture and flavor. If you’re reheating from the fridge, simply pop it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. If you’re reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the fridge first, then follow the same microwave method.
For an even tastier option, you can reheat it on the stovetop! Just add the chicken and rice to a pot with a splash of broth over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. This method not only warms it up but also revives that freshly cooked flavor!
So, whether you’re enjoying it fresh or diving into those leftovers, you’re in for a treat. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
One Pot Chicken and Rice: Simple Comfort for Busy Nights
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and hearty one pot chicken and rice dish.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 2 cups rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add chicken thighs and brown on both sides.
- Stir in rice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for more flavor.
- Adjust seasoning as per your taste.
- Can add vegetables of your choice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: one pot chicken and rice, chicken and rice, easy chicken recipe
