Easy One-Pot Chicken Rice

A family table favorite for busy nights this easy one-pot chicken and rice packs plenty of flavor without much fuss or mess It is a dependable dish that brings everyone to the kitchen for something comforting and satisfying

When I first made this on a weekday after work there was not a bite left over My kids begged for seconds and I loved having only one pot to wash

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: help keep the dish juicy and flavorful even if simmered a little longer Look for uniform pieces so they cook evenly
• Long-grain white rice: yields fluffy grains that resist clumping Choose a quality brand for best texture
• Medium onion diced: boosts the savory base for both rice and chicken Firm heavy onions work best
• Garlic cloves: fresh minced garlic gives a gentle heat and rounds out the aroma Pick plump cloves with tight skins
• Medium carrot diced: adds sweetness and color for balance Crisp brightly colored carrots have the most flavor
• Frozen peas: bring pops of green and stay tender Choose peas that are small and bright with no frost
• Low-sodium chicken broth: prevents everything from turning salty and allows the other flavors to shine Select a broth with a short ingredient list
• Paprika: lends earthiness and a hint of warmth Spanish or smoked types give extra depth
• Dried thyme: offers a gentle herb accent Rub between your fingers before adding to release more fragrance
• Salt and black pepper: to enhance and balance all flavors Freshly ground pepper adds a little more kick
• Olive oil: for sautéing vegetables and giving a smooth finish Use extra-virgin if possible for best flavor

Instructions

Heat the Pot:

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers and coats the bottom completely This prevents sticking and ensures even browning later

Season the Chicken:

Pat chicken thighs dry and sprinkle both sides with salt black pepper paprika and thyme Be thorough so every bite comes out flavorful

Sear the Chicken:

Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the hot oil Sear each side for about three minutes until golden Do this in a single layer for the best caramelization Remove the chicken and set aside but keep all browned bits in the pot for flavor

Sauté Aromatics:

Add diced onion minced garlic and diced carrot to the same pot Stir and cook over medium heat for about four minutes until everything smells sweet and the onions turn translucent All the chicken fond on the bottom will dissolve into these vegetables

Toast the Rice:

Pour in your long-grain rice and stir well to coat each grain with the oil and vegetables Let it cook for one minute to toast lightly This will keep the rice fluffy

Add Liquid and Simmer:

Pour two cups of low-sodium chicken broth into the pot Bring to a rapid boil scraping the pot bottom to pick up every bit of flavor

Return Chicken and Cook:

Nestle the seared chicken thighs back in pushing them into the rice mixture Reduce heat to low cover with a tight lid and simmer gently for twenty minutes Do not lift the lid during this time

Add Peas and Finish:

Scatter frozen peas across the top Return the lid and continue to cook for five more minutes This finishes cooking the rice while the peas steam to tenderness

Fluff and Serve:

With heat off fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate grains Taste and adjust seasoning as needed Serve immediately while hot and fragrant

Save

Chicken thighs are my personal favorite here because they almost never dry out and soak up all those seasonings with little effort Their richness turns this simple dish into something extra hearty I have fond memories of serving big bowls of this dish to friends who always ask for the recipe afterward

Storage Tips

Leftover portions can be cooled thoroughly and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days To reheat add a splash of extra broth or water and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave This keeps the rice from drying Use up leftovers in a lunchbox or roll them into tortillas for a new twist

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option or substitute with plant-based alternatives like firm tofu for a vegetarian meal Any mixed frozen vegetables can replace the peas or carrots for added variety Just be sure to keep total veggie volume about the same so the rice cooks evenly

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad for extra freshness or a dollop of plain yogurt on the side for creaminess A few fresh herbs scattered on top parsley or cilantro always brighten the flavors For a citrusy punch a squeeze of lemon after cooking works wonders

Cultural and Historical Context

One-pot chicken and rice dishes show up in cooking traditions all over the world from Spanish arroz con pollo to West African jollof rice The beauty lies in how every family adapts the method using local spices and available staples This version focuses on classic familiar flavors and weekday simplicity

Seasonal Adaptations

In winter substitute root vegetables like parsnip or turnip for added earthiness In early summer use fresh peas or asparagus instead of frozen peas For a fall version toss in diced butternut squash or sweet potato with the carrots

Save

Try this simple one-pot dinner recipe once and you will keep coming back to it The savory chicken and fluffy rice capture the feeling of home in every bite

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can chicken breasts replace chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs. Check for doneness, as breasts may cook slightly faster and could be less juicy than thighs.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Feel free to mix in frozen vegetable blends or add diced bell pepper, zucchini, or spinach. Add hearty vegetables earlier and delicate ones closer to the end.

→ What rice works best for this dish?

Long-grain white rice provides a fluffy texture. Short-grain or brown rice may alter cook times and liquid ratios, so adjust as needed.

→ Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

The dish uses naturally gluten-free ingredients. Double-check the chicken broth label if you’re very sensitive to gluten.

→ How do I keep the rice from becoming mushy?

Use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio, avoid over-stirring, and let the pot simmer covered over low heat. Fluff gently before serving.