One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

If you’re searching for pure comfort that comes together in one pan, this One Pot Chicken and Rice is destined to become a new favorite. Juicy, seasoned chicken thighs and fluffy rice soak up all the flavors of paprika, thyme, and aromatics for a cozy dinner that’s both easy and deeply satisfying.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

• Unbeatable Convenience: Everything cooks up together in a single skillet—goodbye, dish pile-up!
• Flavorful & Comforting: A heavenly blend of spices, tender chicken, and ultra-fluffy rice makes every bite irresistible.
• Weeknight Hero: With under 15 minutes of prep and common pantry ingredients, this meal saves time without sacrificing taste.
• Family Friendly: The mild spice and homey flavors of One Pot Chicken and Rice are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Nothing fancy here—just a handful of everyday ingredients that each play an important part in building up the taste, tenderness, and color of this dish. The beauty of One Pot Chicken and Rice is how these simple elements work in harmony to deliver a big, bold payoff.

• Paprika: Brings smoky, earthy undertones and a gorgeous color to both chicken and rice.
• Dried Oregano & Thyme: These classic herbs layer in familiar Mediterranean aroma and warmth.
• Garlic & Onion Powder: For deep, all-over flavor without needing extra chopping or fresh cloves.
• Salt & Pepper: Just enough to season every bite and lift all the flavors.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Stay ultra-juicy and bake up beautifully, but feel free to swap for chicken breasts—they’ll work, just keep an eye on cooking time.
• Cooking Oil: Essential for getting those chicken thighs perfectly golden and sautéing the onion.
• Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and forms the savory base for the rice.
• Long-Grain White Rice: The go-to for fluffy, separated grains—basmati or jasmine are also great picks if that’s what you have on hand.
• Vegetable Broth: Infuses the rice with flavor and brings everything together, but chicken broth is delicious too if you prefer.
• Chopped Parsley (optional): Adds a bright finish and makes the dish pop visually.

How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Season the Chicken

First, mix together your paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Coat both sides of the chicken thighs thoroughly in this fragrant blend, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. This little extra attention upfront pays off big time in flavor later!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in your largest, deepest skillet or sauté pan over medium. Once it shimmers, add the chicken thighs and cook for a few minutes per side until beautifully browned. Don’t worry—they won’t be fully cooked yet; you’re just locking in those juices and building a golden crust.

Step 3: Sauté Onions

Set the chicken aside, then pour the remaining oil into the same skillet. Drop in your diced onion and sauté gently until it’s soft and starting to turn golden, about 5 minutes. The onion’s natural moisture will help you scrape up any tasty brown bits left behind—don’t skip this!

Step 4: Toast the Rice

Pour in your uncooked rice straight into all those lovely onion drippings. Stir and toast the grains for just a minute or two. This step makes the rice extra flavorful and helps it hold its shape as it cooks.

Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer

Next, add the vegetable broth, giving the bottom of the pan a good scrape to loosen anything that’s still stuck. Nestle the browned chicken thighs right on top of the rice, then bring the mixture to a brisk boil over medium-high heat with the lid on.

Step 6: Steam and Finish

Once you see it boiling, turn the heat to low and let everything gently simmer, undisturbed, for 20 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let it rest (still covered) for another 5 minutes. This final steaming ensures fluffy, perfectly tender rice every time.

Step 7: Fluff and Serve

Lift the lid, fluff the rice loosely around the chicken with a fork, sprinkle on the parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and serve your One Pot Chicken and Rice piping hot. Prepare yourself for an eruption of savory aroma—your kitchen will smell like absolute heaven!

How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a shower of green onions really wakes up the flavors and gives this cozy dish a little restaurant-style flair. If you love a hit of citrus, a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving is also fantastic and brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

One Pot Chicken and Rice is comfortably complete on its own, but a simple side of roasted broccoli, garlicky green beans, or a crisp cucumber-tomato salad makes for a truly satisfying and colorful table. Warm pita bread or a fresh green salad adds a nice, fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style experience, or arrange individual portions in bowls topped with extra herbs and lemon wedges for a dinner party vibe. I sometimes set out extra toppings like plain yogurt, feta, or even quick pickled onions on the side for a build-your-own spin that everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Chicken and Rice keeps like a dream! Simply store any cooled extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—the flavors keep getting better, making tomorrow’s lunch extra delicious.

Freezing

This recipe is highly freezer-friendly. Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, press out excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the rice stays fluffy.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water, stirring often until heated through. This helps keep the rice moist and the chicken tender—just avoid overheating, which can dry things out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason One Pot Chicken and Rice stands the test of time—it’s soul-warming, reliable, and welcoming whether you’re cooking for one or a whole crew. Give it a try, and I hope it brings as much comfort and joy to your table as it has to mine!

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