Speedy One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe for Busy Nights

Comfort arrives in a single pot with this incredibly hearty one pot chicken and rice recipe that promises deliciousness without complicated cleanup.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among fluffy rice grains, creating a meal that speaks directly to your soul.

Fragrant herbs and simple seasonings blend seamlessly, turning ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Every spoonful delivers rich, satisfying flavors that warm you from the inside out.

The magic happens with minimal effort, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking.

Weeknight dinner solutions rarely look this good or taste this amazing.

Dive into this straightforward, mouthwatering recipe that will become your new go-to meal.

What Goes into One Pot Chicken and Rice

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps prevent sticking while creating a golden foundation for the dish.
• Chicken Stock: Infuses deep, savory essence and provides essential moisture for perfectly cooked rice.

• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color, selecting fresh, firm carrots for the best crunch.
• Dried Onion: Delivers concentrated, mellow onion flavor without adding extra moisture to the dish.
• Dried Garlic: Provides robust, intense garlic notes with convenient, long-lasting storage potential.
• Dried Parsley: Introduces subtle herbaceous undertones and a hint of freshness to the overall flavor profile.
• Seasoned Salt: Enhances overall taste with a balanced blend of herbs and spices, perfect for quick seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, slightly spicy kick that complements the chicken and vegetable flavors.

• Chicken Pieces: Serves as the hearty main protein, selecting bone-in or boneless options based on personal preference and cooking time.

Tools for a Quick Chicken and Rice Dish

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the entire dish with ample space.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing rice from sticking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure butter, seasonings, and dried herbs.
• Measuring cups: Ensures precise liquid and rice measurements.
• Sharp knife: Useful for any potential chopping or preparing ingredients.
• Lid: Covers pot during cooking to trap heat and steam for better results.

Cooking Instructions for One Pot Chicken Meal

• Buttery Beginnings

Melt butter in a large pot, adding carrots with a sprinkle of seasoned salt and pepper. Let the carrots soften while covered, stirring occasionally.

• Rice and Aromatics

Introduce rice, dried onion, and dried garlic into the pot. Coat everything in the melted butter and let the grains toast lightly. Scatter dried parsley for extra flavor.

• Liquid Magic

Pour chicken stock into the pot and crank up the heat. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring to prevent rice from sticking.

• Gentle Simmer

Lower the heat and let the pot gently bubble for 15 minutes, occasionally stirring to ensure even cooking.

• Chicken Integration

Season chicken pieces and nestle them into the rice mixture. Allow everything to cook together until chicken is perfectly done and rice reaches a tender consistency.

• Final Touches

Pull the pot off the heat and stir in additional butter for richness. Let the dish rest, allowing flavors to meld and settle.

• Serving Moment

Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve the one-pot wonder while warm, knowing the dish will naturally thicken as it cools.

Chicken and Rice Tips & Swaps

• Swap carrots with zucchini, bell peppers, or frozen mixed vegetables for added nutrition and color.
• Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to create unique taste profiles that match your mood.
• Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese during the final butter step for a luxurious, rich texture that elevates the entire dish.
• Replace chicken with turkey, pork, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for a versatile meal that accommodates different dietary preferences.
• Double the recipe and store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, ensuring a quick and delicious meal is always ready when you need it.

How to Plate One Pot Chicken and Rice

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather around the table and make this one-pot wonder the centerpiece of a comforting family meal, perfect for catching up and enjoying delicious home-cooked food together.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions on top to add a bright, vibrant color and bring a zesty freshness that complements the rich, savory chicken and rice.
• Creamy Side Options: Pair this dish with a cool, crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the hearty main course and add some extra nutrition to your plate. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top can also provide a tangy, creamy contrast to the warm, comforting meal.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for an easy, satisfying lunch at work or school, which reheats beautifully and maintains its delicious flavor and texture.

How to Store One Pot Chicken and Rice

• Quick Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for easy weeknight meals. Portion out single servings for grab-and-go lunches during busy workdays.
• Refrigerator Magic: Keeps well in sealed containers for 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making next-day leftovers taste even more delicious. Cool completely before refrigerating to maintain optimal texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Excellent candidate for freezing up to 2 months. Separate into individual containers before freezing to simplify future meal planning. Thaw overnight in refrigerator for best results.
• Reheating Pro Tips: Revive cold chicken and rice by adding a splash of chicken broth when warming. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent dry spots. Stir gently to restore moisture and maintain the dish's original creamy consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 520 kcal

Servings: 5

Hearty One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty one pot chicken and rice delivers comfort straight from Mediterranean kitchens. Savory ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying meal that connects home cooks with traditional culinary warmth you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 small chicken breasts (14 oz/397 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 heaping cup shredded or chopped carrots (from 1 cup baby carrots or 2 large carrots)
• 2 scant cups long grain white rice (e.g., Lundberg White Jasmine Rice)
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 4 – 6 tbsps butter, divided
• 1 tbsp dried minced onion
• 1 tsp dried minced garlic
• 2 tbsps dried parsley flakes
• Homemade seasoned salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prep Base: Heat a large pot over medium flame, melting butter to create a golden foundation for the dish. Introduce diced carrots, seasoning with salt and pepper, and allow vegetables to soften and become translucent.
2. Layer Aromatics: Fold rice, dried onion, and dried garlic into the vegetable mixture, gently coating each grain with butter. Sprinkle dried parsley to enhance the flavor profile and sauté briefly to awaken the ingredients.
3. Build Liquid Foundation: Pour chicken stock into the pot, elevating heat to trigger a rolling boil. Stir intermittently to prevent rice from sticking and ensure even distribution of liquid.
4. Integrate Protein: Season chicken pieces, then carefully embed them into the simmering rice mixture. Maintain a consistent medium-low temperature, allowing the chicken to cook gradually and absorb surrounding flavors.
5. Final Fusion: Monitor the dish as chicken becomes perfectly tender and rice reaches an ideal al dente consistency. Remove from heat, incorporate remaining butter to create a glossy finish, and let the dish rest briefly to allow flavors to harmonize.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Perform a final seasoning check, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Present the one-pot meal immediately, understanding it will naturally thicken as it cools.

Notes

• Butter Brilliance: Use unsalted butter for better control over the dish’s saltiness and to enhance overall flavor depth.
• Rice Readiness: Rinse rice beforehand to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain remains separate and perfectly cooked.
• Chicken Check: Verify chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption, using a meat thermometer for precision.
• Resting Magic: Allow the dish to rest 5-10 minutes after cooking to let flavors meld and rice absorb remaining moisture, creating a more cohesive and delicious meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg