There’s something truly magical about a one pot meal, isn’t there? Just the idea of tossing everything into one pot, letting it simmer, and ending up with a delicious, hearty dish makes my heart sing! This one pot chicken and rice recipe is my go-to for those busy weeknights when I need something quick, tasty, and satisfying for my family. I’ll never forget the first time I made it; the aroma filled the house, and my kids came running to see what was cooking! It’s become a staple in our home, bringing us together around the table after a long day.
What I love most is how easily it comes together. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, I can serve a wholesome meal that everyone loves. Plus, there’s hardly any cleanup—just one pot! Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for those nights when you’re short on time but still want to impress. So, grab your pot, and let’s dive into making this comforting dish!
Ingredients List
For this delicious one pot chicken and rice recipe, you’ll need some straightforward ingredients that pack a punch in flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 pound chicken thighs, skinless and boneless (you can use breasts if you prefer!)
- 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups chicken broth, adding richness to the dish
- 1 onion, chopped finely for a sweet base
- 2 cloves garlic, minced to bring that aromatic kick
- 1 teaspoon paprika, for a hint of smokiness
- 1 teaspoon salt, to season to perfection
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, adding a subtle heat
- 1 cup frozen peas, for a pop of color and nutrition
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, to sauté your veggies and chicken
These ingredients come together beautifully, creating a comforting and hearty meal that you’ll want to make again and again!
How to Prepare This One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Getting this one pot chicken and rice recipe on the table is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal that will surely impress your family.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large pot and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle when you add the veggies, but not so hot that it starts to smoke!
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base, so don’t rush it!
- Next, toss in the chicken thighs. Season them with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re nicely browned on all sides. This adds a lovely color and depth of flavor!
- Once the chicken is browned, stir in the rinsed rice, making sure it’s well-coated with the oil and seasonings. Then, pour in the chicken broth. Give it a good stir to combine everything!
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is when the magic happens, so resist the urge to peek too often!
- After 20 minutes, check the rice to see if it’s tender. If it is, stir in the frozen peas. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, covered. This will warm up the peas perfectly, adding a burst of color and nutrition to your dish!
- Finally, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Then, dig in and enjoy your delicious creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can have a hearty meal ready in just 40 minutes!
- Minimal Cleanup: It’s a one pot wonder—cook, serve, and clean up in one go!
- Flavorful Dish: The combination of chicken, spices, and broth creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and veggies, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Gluten-Free: Perfect for those following a gluten-free diet, making it a versatile option for any gathering.
Tips for Success
To nail this one pot chicken and rice recipe, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, make sure your chicken is browned well; this adds so much flavor to the dish. When checking for doneness, the rice should be tender and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you want to enhance the flavor even more, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving. And remember, let it rest for those 5 minutes—it’s worth the wait for the flavors to settle!
Variations
This one pot chicken and rice recipe is super versatile, so feel free to switch things up! For a different protein, try using shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also mix in seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrients and color. Want to spice things up? Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some curry powder for a flavorful twist. And if you’re a fan of herbs, fresh thyme or parsley can elevate the dish beautifully. The possibilities are endless—get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from this one pot chicken and rice recipe is super simple! Just let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and it should last for about 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge if frozen. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat until warmed through, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. Factors like portion sizes and cooking methods also play a role in the final numbers. For the best accuracy, consider calculating the nutrition based on your exact ingredients and servings!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well, but keep an eye on them as they may cook a bit faster. Just make sure they reach 165°F (75°C) for safety!
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries! You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water, but the flavor might not be as rich. Adding a bit more seasoning can help compensate.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free! Adding veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach can make this dish even more nutritious. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if they need longer to cook.
How do I know when the rice is done?
The rice should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If it’s still crunchy, just add a little more broth or water and let it simmer a bit longer.
What do I serve with this dish?
This one pot meal is hearty enough on its own, but a simple side salad or some crusty bread would pair nicely if you’re in the mood for a little something extra!
One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe: 7 Reasons to Love It
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A simple and delicious one pot chicken and rice recipe that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add chicken thighs, season with paprika, salt, and pepper; brown all sides.
- Stir in the rice, then pour in chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Cook for 20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs.
- Add vegetables of your choice for extra nutrition.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 18g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 12g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 90mg
Mots-clés: one pot chicken and rice recipe
