Description
This one-pot chicken and rice dinner is the ultimate comfort meal for busy families. It’s packed with tender chicken, flavorful seasonings, and perfectly cooked rice, all made in one pot for minimal cleanup. Ready in under an hour, this dish delivers hearty, home-cooked goodness with just a few ingredients. Perfect for weeknights, it’s an easy, satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cubed)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cumin (optional)
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
Garnish:
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large stainless steel pot over medium heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Add the chicken to the pot and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
- Stir in the uncooked rice, allowing it to toast for about 1 minute for extra flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then add the diced bell peppers, thyme, oregano, and cumin. Stir well.
Step 4: Simmer the Dish
- Return the seared chicken to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Stir in the frozen peas (if using) and let sit for 5 minutes with the lid on.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
- For extra protein, add shrimp or sausage along with the chicken.
- To make it spicier, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- Use brown rice for a whole-grain option, but increase cooking time by 10-15 minutes.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For easy meal prep, having the right tools makes a difference. A sharp chef’s knife ensures precise chopping—try this best-selling knife on Amazon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: one-pot chicken and rice, easy dinner recipe, best one-pot meals, quick chicken dinner, family-friendly one-pot recipe