Chicken and Rice – One Pot Dinner

Chicken and Rice – This one pot easy, comforting, and delicious meal is classic dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and aromatic spices for a busy weeknight or a weekend dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour.
• One-Pot Meal: Say goodbye to extra dishes—everything cooks together, making cleanup a breeze.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein, whole grains, and vegetables, this meal provides balanced nutrition.
• Versatile: You can switch up the spices, vegetables, or type of rice for endless variations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this simple and flavorful dish:

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs add more flavor and stay juicy, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal, but you can also use jasmine, basmati, or even brown rice for a healthier option.
• Onion and garlic: Essential aromatics that add depth to the dish.
• Chicken broth: This gives the rice a rich, savory flavor.
• Vegetables: Carrots, peas, bell peppers, or spinach—use whatever you have on hand.
• Spices: Paprika, thyme, and cumin add a warm, earthy flavor.
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken and Rice

1. Use Chicken Thighs for More Flavor: While chicken breasts are a lean option, thighs add more richness and tend to stay juicy throughout cooking.
2. Toast the Rice: Sautéing the rice in oil before adding the liquid helps enhance its flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
3. Simmer Low and Slow: Once everything is in the pot, lower the heat and let it simmer gently. This ensures the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors without overcooking the chicken.
4. Add Broth Gradually: If you find the rice is too dry or starting to stick, add more broth in small increments until you reach the perfect consistency.
5. Let it Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.

Variations You Can Try

One of the best things about this Chicken and Rice recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

• Mediterranean Style: Swap cumin for oregano, add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and finish with crumbled feta cheese.
• Mexican Chicken and Rice: Add black beans, corn, and top with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro.
• Healthy Brown Rice Version: Replace white rice with brown rice. You’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes and may need to add more broth.
• Vegetarian: Skip the chicken altogether and use chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based version. Vegetable broth works perfectly here.

How to Serve Chicken and Rice

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can also serve it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for extra greens. Here are some serving suggestions:

• With a side of roasted veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.
• Topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
• As a burrito filling: Wrap the chicken and rice in a tortilla with some avocado slices for a quick, handheld meal.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken and Rice

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out.
• Freezer: Chicken and rice freezes well! Transfer the dish to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen peas, carrots, or mixed vegetables work great in this recipe and are a convenient option when you don’t have fresh produce on hand.

Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?

Yes! To adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot, sauté the chicken and aromatics using the sauté function, then add the rice, vegetables, and broth. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, followed by a natural release.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. Always double-check your broth label to ensure it’s free of gluten-containing ingredients.

How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?

The key is to use the right rice-to-liquid ratio and ensure you’re simmering the dish on low heat. Toasting the rice before adding the broth also helps maintain its texture.

What’s the best way to reheat chicken and rice?

Add a small amount of broth or water to the dish, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. This helps rehydrate the rice and keeps it from becoming too dry.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Rice recipe is the ultimate comfort food, offering a flavorful, nutritious, and customizable meal that will satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, you can’t go wrong with this classic dish. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your favorite variations in the comments below!

Still Hungry! Try these chicken recipes:

• Butterflied Chicken Drumsticks
• Brazilian Chicken Stroganoff
• Marry Me Chicken