Imagine coming home to a kitchen swirling with savory aromas and, in less than an hour, you’re sitting down to a soul-warming meal—all thanks to this One Pot Chicken and Rice. It’s the perfect balance of juicy, golden chicken, fragrant rice, and pops of bright green peas, all cozied up together in one big skillet. With classic pantry staples and a few fresh touches, this dish proves that comfort food can be both effortless and full of lively flavor.

One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One Pot Chicken and Rice is its simplicity—each ingredient is selected for the role it plays in flavor, texture, or color. No fancy tricks here, just smart choices to build layers of crave-worthy taste.

Olive oil: The first flavor in the pot, this oil creates a beautiful golden crust on the chicken and forms the base for the sauce.
Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): Bring deep flavor, juicy texture, and a touch of richness that elevates the rice.
Salt and pepper: These simple seasonings wake up every other ingredient and create a harmonious balance.
Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a hint of color to both chicken and rice.
Onion (diced): Gives irresistible savory sweetness to the base of the dish.
Garlic (minced): Offers an aromatic edge and rounds out the overall flavor.
Long-grain white rice (rinsed): The perfect variety for fluffy, tender grains that soak up every savory note.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with flavor from the ground up—much more exciting than water!
Dried thyme: A few pinches add earthy, herby notes.
Dried oregano: Savory and subtly floral, this herb lifts the rice beautifully.
Frozen peas: Tossed in at the end, they bring color, sweetness, and a pop of freshness.
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): A green sprinkle that wraps everything up with brightness.

How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Pat your chicken thighs dry, then sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Place them skin-side down in the shimmering oil and listen for that satisfying sizzle. Give them 4 to 5 minutes to develop a mouthwatering, golden crust, then flip and cook another 3 minutes. This step locks in the juiciness—and all those delicious browned bits will do wonders for the rice later. Set the chicken aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

With the chicken out of the pot, go straight in with diced onion. Stir for around 3 minutes, letting the pieces soften and turn translucent, scraping up any brown flavor dots left by the chicken. Toss in the minced garlic and let it mingle for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant but not browned. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing at this point.

Step 3: Build the Rice Base

Pour in the rinsed long-grain white rice and stir it into the onion and garlic so each grain gets a bit glossy. Add the chicken broth, dried thyme, and oregano. Give it all a good stir and crank up the heat until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. This is where the One Pot Chicken and Rice magic begins—every ingredient in perfect harmony.

Step 4: Nestle the Chicken

Arrange those beautifully browned chicken thighs right back into the pot, skin-side up. Push them down just far enough so the rice mixture snuggles up to the sides, but the crispy skin peeks out of the liquid. Pop a lid on, lower the heat to its gentlest setting, and let everything simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will absorb all the flavor while the chicken finishes cooking and stays wonderfully juicy.

Step 5: Add the Peas and Rest

Five minutes before the timer goes off, scatter your frozen peas on top of the rice. Replace the lid and let the steam work its magic until the rice is tender, the peas are bright green, and the chicken is cooked all the way through. When it’s done, remove the pot from the heat but let it sit—with the lid on!—for another five minutes. This step ensures the rice is fluffy and each flavor gets a moment to mingle perfectly.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Uncover the pot and take in the glorious sight and smell of One Pot Chicken and Rice. Sprinkle everything with fresh parsley and dive in with a big ladle, making sure every portion gets both chicken and a heap of rice studded with peas.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

A shower of fresh parsley is a must—it adds gorgeous color and a burst of herbal lightness to every bite. If you’d like to boost both aroma and brightness, try finishing with a quick squeeze of lemon juice over the pot right before serving. Some folks also enjoy a touch of flaky sea salt or cracked black pepper sprinkled on top for extra punch.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is a meal all by itself, sides can be simple. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or tangy tomato salad pairs beautifully, balancing the heartiness of the chicken and rice. If you’re in the mood for a bigger spread, serve with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of rice—or even some roasted vegetables for extra color.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this homestyle meal into a dinner-party favorite by bringing the whole pot straight to the table and letting everyone help themselves. Or, plate the chicken thigh atop a generous mound of rice, then sprinkle with parsley and a wedge of lemon for a bistro-worthy look. Serve individual portions in shallow bowls for an inviting, cozy effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover One Pot Chicken and Rice cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a perfect meal-prep option for busy weeks. Be sure to store the rice and chicken together to keep the flavors mingling.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Place portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, squeezing out extra air before sealing. It will keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken and rice in a covered skillet or saucepan with a splash of chicken broth or water. Warm gently over low heat until steaming and hot throughout, fluffing the rice with a fork. For a quick option, microwave covered on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken works well for One Pot Chicken and Rice. Just remember to reduce the overall simmering time by about 5 minutes since they cook more quickly than bone-in pieces.

What kind of rice is best for One Pot Chicken and Rice?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, yielding perfectly separate, fluffy grains. Avoid instant or quick-cooking rice, which can become mushy. If you want to use brown rice, add extra broth and extend the cooking time accordingly.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking or burning?

Make sure to keep the heat low once the lid goes on and try not to lift the lid during simmering. Using a nonstick or heavy-bottomed pot helps distribute heat evenly and prevents sticking.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced carrots, bell peppers, or baby spinach along with the onions. Just keep in mind some veggies release water or need longer to cook, so chop them small or add them at the right step.

Is there a dairy-free or gluten-free option?

One Pot Chicken and Rice is naturally gluten-free, provided your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. It’s also totally dairy-free as written, making it a great option for just about everyone at your table.

Final Thoughts

If ever there was a dinner to bring everyone to the table, it’s this One Pot Chicken and Rice. Try it once, and it just might earn a weekly rotation spot in your kitchen—it’s that rewarding. Give it a go and let the simple magic of this one-pot wonder speak for itself!

One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This One Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful and convenient meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender chicken thighs are cooked with aromatic herbs and tender rice, all in one pot for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning:

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon paprika

Rice Mixture:

1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Finishing Touches:

1 cup frozen peas
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear in olive oil until golden brown. Set aside.
Cook Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in rice, chicken broth, thyme, and oregano. Simmer.
Finish Dish: Return chicken to pot. Cover and cook until rice is tender. Add peas in last few minutes. Let sit before serving. Garnish with parsley.