π Chicken and Rice Recipe (Easy One-Pot Family Dinner)
Best Chicken and Rice Recipe | Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Make the best one-pot chicken and rice recipe with juicy seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and aromatic vegetables. A quick, comforting family dinner ready in about 45 minutes.
Chicken and Rice Recipe
This Chicken and Rice Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken with fluffy, flavour-packed rice in one easy skillet. It's simple enough for busy weeknights yet delicious enough to serve for family gatherings. With tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and perfectly cooked rice, this one-pot meal delivers satisfying flavour in every bite.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal with minimal cleanup
- Tender, juicy chicken every time
- Fluffy, flavourful rice
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Easy to customise with vegetables
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Rice
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter, then sautΓ© the onion and carrots for about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Rice
Stir the rinsed rice into the vegetables and cook for 1 minute to lightly toast the grains.
Step 5: Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the Italian seasoning. Return the chicken to the pan, placing it on top of the rice.
Cover and simmer over low heat for 20–25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
Step 6: Finish
Sprinkle the peas over the rice during the final 5 minutes of cooking. Remove from the heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tips
- Rinse the rice thoroughly to prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Use chicken thighs for extra juicy results.
- Allow the dish to rest before serving so the rice finishes absorbing the broth.
- Avoid lifting the lid while the rice cooks.
- Add mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken and Rice with:
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted broccoli
- Garden salad
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Roasted asparagus
- Coleslaw
- SautΓ©ed spinach
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh iced tea or lemonade
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Total Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Potassium: 690 mg
- Fibre: 3 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Calcium: 55 mg
- Iron: 2.5 mg
- Vitamin A: 4,100 IU
- Vitamin C: 8 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice?
Yes. Brown rice works well but requires additional broth and a longer cooking time.
Can I use chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook beautifully in this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze Chicken and Rice?
Yes. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What vegetables can I add?
Broccoli, corn, mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, and green beans are all excellent additions.
Similar Recipes
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Chicken and Dumplings
- Garlic Butter Chicken
- Lemon Herb Chicken
- Creamy Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Alfredo
- Cajun Chicken Pasta
- One-Pot Chicken Orzo
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Rice Recipe is a simple yet satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners. Tender, seasoned chicken and perfectly cooked rice come together in one pan for a comforting dish that's easy to prepare and full of flavour. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a dependable favourite.

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