One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Cozy, hearty, and endlessly comforting, One Pot Chicken and Rice is the kind of meal that everyone should have tucked away in their back pocket. With tender bites of chicken, fluffy grains of rice, sweet carrots, and a luxuriously buttery finish, this dish has earned its reputation as a weeknight hero in my kitchen. Everything simmers together in just one pot for a creamy, flavor-packed dinner that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want effortless leftovers, One Pot Chicken and Rice delivers big homemade flavor with simple ingredients and barely any cleanup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One Pot Chicken and Rice is in its simplicity: a few pantry staples come together to create deep, satisfying flavor and an amazingly creamy texture. Every ingredient here plays a purpose, so grab the best jars and freshest produce you have for extra magic!

• Butter or vegan butter: Brings rich, comforting flavor and helps sauté the veggies and finish the dish with creaminess.
• Carrots: Add a touch of sweetness, lovely color, and a bit of tender crunch to every bite.
• Homemade seasoned salt and pepper: Season each layer as you go for perfectly balanced flavors all the way through.
• Long grain white rice (Lundberg White Jasmine Rice recommended): This variety cooks up fluffy and delicately fragrant, soaking up all those savory juices.
• Dried minced onion: Imparts mellow onion flavor without any chopping or tears—simple and effective.
• Dried minced garlic: Adds subtle garlicky warmth, rounding out the aromatic base.
• Dried parsley flakes: Bring herby freshness and a pop of green throughout the pot.
• Chicken stock: Deepens the cozy, savory notes and gives the rice its irresistible texture.
• Chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces): Offer lean, tender protein that cooks quickly and soaks up all the flavors.

How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Get the Veggies Started

Grab your largest soup pot and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melty and gently bubbling, toss in those carrots, then sprinkle generously with seasoned salt and pepper. Cover the pot and let the carrots gently steam and soften—just 5 to 6 minutes. Stir now and then, inhaling that buttery, savory aroma. This step sets up the foundation of the entire dish, so don’t rush!

Step 2: Toast Rice and Aromatics

Next, pour in the rice, dried onions, and dried garlic. Stir everything together so the grains get coated in that lovely melted butter. Sauté for a minute—this little trick means super flavorful rice! Now, sprinkle in the dried parsley and pour in all the chicken stock. Crank the heat to high and bring it up to a boil, giving it a stir here and there to make sure nothing sticks.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

When the pot is bubbling happily, reduce the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes. While the rice is getting a head start, season your bite-sized chicken pieces with a little more seasoned salt and pepper. After 15 minutes, add the chicken to the pot. If needed, nudge up the heat just to get things back to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook Chicken and Finish the Rice

With your chicken tucked in, drop the heat back to medium-low and continue simmering until the chicken is perfectly cooked and the rice is al dente—about 7 to 10 minutes longer. Stir occasionally, and give it extra attention near the end so nothing sticks. The chicken will stay juicy and tender, while the rice finishes cooking in all that flavorful broth.

Step 5: Enrich and Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in as much of the remaining butter as you like (the more, the richer!), tasting and adding more seasoned salt and pepper if needed. Let everything rest for about 5 minutes so it can thicken up and cool slightly, then scoop generous helpings into bowls. That’s it—you just conquered One Pot Chicken and Rice!

How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

Give your bowls a bright pop of color and flavor with a handful of fresh parsley or chives, a little squeeze of lemon for zing, or even a shower of grated Parmesan if you like things extra savory. These little touches can turn a comforting bowl of One Pot Chicken and Rice into something worthy of a celebration.

Side Dishes

While One Pot Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, or some blistered green beans for a little crunch. Warm, crusty bread is excellent for capturing any remaining buttery juices at the bottom of the bowl!

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknight fun or gatherings, serve One Pot Chicken and Rice in individual crock bowls or mugs, sprinkle each with extra herbs, or pile them high on a large platter for family-style feasting. You can even top each bowl with a fried or poached egg for an extra comfort food twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining One Pot Chicken and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It holds up beautifully and actually tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to fully mingle overnight.

Freezing

One Pot Chicken and Rice can definitely be frozen! Spoon cooled portions into freezer-friendly containers and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy, just-like-fresh meal.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your chicken and rice gently on the stovetop with a splash of extra chicken stock or water to revive its creamy consistency. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to evenly distribute the heat.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely, but keep in mind brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. You may need to add a bit more stock and plan for about 10–15 extra minutes of simmering to achieve perfect, tender grains.

What’s the best way to make this dish vegetarian?

Just swap the chicken for diced tofu or use extra veggies like peas, corn, or diced bell pepper, and opt for vegetable stock. The buttery rice and aromatics still create tons of comfort food flavor!

Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! If you have cooked chicken on hand, add it during the last 5 minutes of simmering, just to warm it through. This trick makes One Pot Chicken and Rice even quicker and ideal for using up leftovers.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in peas, spinach, bell peppers, or even mushrooms in addition to the carrots. Add quicker-cooking veggies during the last 5–10 minutes so they retain color and texture.

What if I want a little extra flavor?

Try stirring in a teaspoon of smoked paprika, a splash of lemon juice, or grating in a little Parmesan cheese at the end for a different but delicious finish. One Pot Chicken and Rice loves a little personalization!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for that perfect all-in-one dinner that tickles your taste buds and soothes the soul, it’s time to give One Pot Chicken and Rice a spot on your table. The recipe is a breeze, the cleanup is minimal, and the results are just what everyone craves. Go ahead and try it—this could become your new go-to comfort meal!

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