Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice: A Quick Weeknight Dinner⏱️

In the world of simple weeknight meals, the combination of chicken and rice reigns supreme. It’s the universally beloved duo that promises a comforting, satisfying, and complete dinner. But a truly great chicken and rice recipe does more than just fill you up; it delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort and, best of all, minimal cleanup. This is the magic of a one-pot chicken dinner, where every grain of rice soaks up savory broth and delicious chicken flavor as it all cooks together in a single vessel.

This guide is dedicated to what we believe is the ultimate easy chicken and rice recipe—a foolproof, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dish that is destined to become a staple in your dinner rotation. On a busy day, there’s nothing better than knowing you can have a wholesome, home-cooked meal on the table in under an hour. This recipe is your answer to the perpetual “what’s for dinner?” question, perfect for any night of the week.

⭐ Why This One-Pot Method is a Game-Changer

While you can cook chicken and rice separately, cooking them together in one pot is a culinary technique that elevates the dish from simple to spectacular. Here’s why it’s the superior method for this simple weeknight meal.

• Maximum Flavor Infusion: This is the biggest advantage. First, you sear the chicken in the pot, creating a layer of delicious browned bits (called “fond”) full of flavor. Then, you toast the rice and aromatics in that same pot before adding the liquid. As the rice cooks, it absorbs the chicken broth, the rendered chicken fat, and all the savory goodness from the bottom of the pot. Every single grain is infused with deep, rich flavor.
• Minimal Cleanup: This is the beauty of a one-pot chicken dinner. All the cooking happens in a single Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. There are no extra pans for searing chicken or separate pots for boiling rice. This means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your evening.
• Perfectly Tender Chicken: By nestling the seared chicken on top of the rice and letting it finish cooking by gently steaming, it becomes incredibly moist and tender, absorbing the aromatic steam from the simmering broth below.

🛒 The Building Blocks of a Perfect Chicken and Rice Dinner

The success of this simple dish lies in using good quality, basic ingredients.

• The Chicken: For a one-pot recipe, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the number one choice. They have a slightly higher fat content than breasts, which ensures they stay incredibly juicy and tender during the entire cooking process. You can use chicken breasts, but they have a higher tendency to dry out (see the FAQ for tips).
• The Rice: A long-grain white rice is ideal for this dish because the grains stay separate and fluffy. Varieties like Jasmine or Basmati are excellent choices. Avoid short-grain rice like Arborio, which is designed for creamy risotto.
• The Aromatics & Spices: The flavor base is simple but crucial. We use a classic combination of onion and garlic. The spice blend is designed to be savory and warming without being overpowering: smoked paprika (for color and smoky depth), garlic powder (for an extra layer of savory flavor), and dried thyme (for a classic, herbaceous note).
• The Liquid: A high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth is essential. Using broth instead of water makes a world of difference in the final flavor of the rice.

🍳 The Ultimate Easy Chicken and Rice Recipe

This recipe is designed to be as straightforward and foolproof as possible, making it a perfect healthy chicken recipe for cooks of all skill levels.

📝 Ingredients Table

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Season the chicken pieces generously on all sides with this spice blend.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan). Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms. The chicken does not need to be cooked through. Remove the seared chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion (and carrots/celery, if using) to the same pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and scraped up some of the browned bits from the chicken. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
4. Toast the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the pot. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, allowing the grains to toast slightly and become fully coated in the flavorful oils and spices.
5. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the liquid to a simmer, making sure to scrape up any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Combine and Cook: Nestle the seared chicken pieces (and any juices that have collected on the plate) back into the pot on top of the rice. Once the liquid is gently simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it cook for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid!
7. Rest and Fluff: After the cooking time is up, turn off the heat and let the pot stand, still covered, for 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for the rice to finish steaming and become fluffy.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the lid. If using frozen peas, stir them in now; the residual heat will cook them in a minute or two. Fluff the rice around the chicken with a fork. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

💡 Pro Tips for a Foolproof Healthy Chicken Recipe

• Don’t Crowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, give each piece enough space. If the pan is too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of browning, and you’ll miss out on that crucial flavor-building step.
• The “No-Peek” Rule: Once the lid goes on and the heat is turned to low, do not lift it until the cooking time is complete. Lifting the lid releases steam and heat, which disrupts the cooking environment and can result in unevenly cooked, hard, or mushy rice.
• Let It Rest: The final 10-minute rest is non-negotiable. It allows the moisture in the pot to redistribute evenly, ensuring every grain of rice is perfectly cooked and separates beautifully.

🔁 Easy Variations and Customizations

• Lemony Herb Chicken and Rice: Add the zest of one lemon and 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill along with the parsley at the end for a bright, fresh flavor.
• Southwest Chicken and Rice: Swap the thyme and paprika for 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Stir in a can of drained black beans and ½ cup of corn along with the peas at the end. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or avocado.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice: Sauté 8 oz of sliced mushrooms with the onions. After the final resting period, stir in ¼ to ½ cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier sauce. For another fantastic one-pot chicken dinner, check out this French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe.

❓ Easy Chicken and Rice Recipe: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes. To prevent them from drying out, you have two options. You can use whole breasts, sear them, and nestle them on top as instructed, but check them for doneness early. Or, you can cut the breasts into bite-sized pieces, sear them, remove them from the pot, and then stir them back in during the final 5 minutes of the resting period to gently heat through.

Can I use brown rice? You can, but it requires significant changes. Brown rice needs more liquid (increase broth to about 3 ½ cups) and a much longer cooking time (about 40-45 minutes). This will likely overcook the chicken if it’s left in for the full time.

My rice is mushy or hard. What went wrong? This is almost always related to the liquid ratio or peeking. Ensure you are using the exact amount of liquid called for in the recipe and that your lid is on tight during the entire simmer time.

🎉 Your New Go-To Weeknight Dinner

This one-pot chicken and rice recipe is the ultimate solution for those busy nights when you crave a real, home-cooked meal without the associated stress and mess. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly simple dish that feels both comforting and complete. It’s proof that you don’t need a lot of ingredients or a lot of time to create a meal the whole family will love. After enjoying this simple and satisfying dinner, a quick and easy dessert is the perfect way to end the night. Consider trying one of these easy healthy desserts you can make in under 20 minutes.

🥘 Main Dish Magic

Easiest One-Pot Chicken and Rice

---

• Author: Chef KAYA
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This simple yet flavorful one-pot chicken and rice recipe brings comfort and ease to your weeknight dinner table. Juicy chicken thighs, aromatic rice, and tender vegetables simmer together for a wholesome, complete meal with minimal cleanup.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup diced carrots or celery (optional)
• ½ cup frozen peas (added at the end)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

---

Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season with paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden (3–4 min/side); set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion and carrots/celery (if using) until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Stir in rice and toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in broth, scrape up any browned bits.
4. Nestle chicken on top, bring to simmer, then cover and cook on low for 18–20 minutes.
5. Turn off heat, let sit (covered) for 10 minutes. Stir in peas and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

 Don’t lift the lid while cooking. For a citrusy variation, add lemon zest and dill at the end.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One-Pot
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1½ cups
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: chicken and rice, one-pot dinner, easy chicken recipe, healthy weeknight meal