One Pot Chicken and Rice

This One Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings families together. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant carrots simmered in a flavorful broth, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The ease of preparation makes it a go-to meal for busy cooks, while its rich taste will have everyone coming back for seconds!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dish
• For Garnish
• How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Step 1: Cook the Carrots
• Step 2: Toast the Rice
• Step 3: Add Stock and Simmer
• Step 4: Cook the Rice
• Step 5: Add the Chicken
• Step 6: Finish the Dish
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Family Style
• Individual Bowls
• Accompanied by Salad
• How to Perfect One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Best Side Dishes for One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Reheating One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes this One Pot Chicken and Rice so comforting?
• Can I customize my One Pot Chicken and Rice?
• How do I prevent my rice from becoming mushy?
• Is this dish gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal effort with all ingredients cooked in one pot, reducing cleanup time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of seasoned chicken, rice, and vegetables creates a comforting dish that warms the soul.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this dish works well for any occasion.
• Gluten-Free Option: Using gluten-free ingredients makes it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Leftover Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking this One Pot Chicken and Rice easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: A sturdy pot allows for even cooking and helps prevent sticking as you stir.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: These tools are gentle on your cookware and perfect for stirring without scratching.

Ingredients

This comforting one-pot chicken and rice dish is part soup, part risotto, and entirely satisfying. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful rice, and seasoned carrots, it’s a gluten-free dinner your family will request again and again!

For the Dish

• 4–6 tablespoons butter or vegan butter, divided
• 1 heaping cup shredded or chopped carrots
• Homemade seasoned salt and pepper (see notes)
• 2 scant cups long-grain white rice (Lundberg White Jasmine Rice recommended)
• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 2 chicken breasts (~1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Cook the Carrots

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the shredded carrots. Season them with homemade seasoned salt and pepper. Cover the pot with a lid. Cook for about 5-6 minutes while stirring occasionally until the carrots become tender.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Add the long-grain white rice along with dried minced onion and garlic to the pot. Stir everything together to coat the rice in butter. Sauté for about 1 minute before mixing in the dried parsley flakes.

Step 3: Add Stock and Simmer

Pour in 8 cups of chicken stock while turning the heat to high. Stir occasionally to ensure that the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pot as it comes to a boil.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for around 15 minutes while continuing to stir occasionally.

Step 5: Add the Chicken

Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with seasoned salt and pepper before adding them to the pot. If needed, turn up the heat slightly until everything simmers again. Reduce back to medium-low heat once more. Continue simmering for an additional 7-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the rice reaches an al dente texture.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Stir in any remaining butter based on your preference (2-4 tablespoons). Taste your dish and adjust seasoning if necessary with more seasoned salt or pepper. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes so it can thicken slightly.

Step 7: Serve

Scoop portions into bowls while serving warm.

This easy One Pot Chicken and Rice dish not only delights with its flavors but also offers convenience in preparation—making it an ideal choice for any busy kitchen!

How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Rice

This delightful one-pot chicken and rice dish is versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you want a casual family meal or an elegant gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.

Family Style

• Serve directly from the pot: Place the pot on the dining table, allowing everyone to help themselves.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh touch.

Individual Bowls

• Create personal servings: Scoop the chicken and rice into individual bowls for a more formal presentation.
• Top with crispy onions: Add a layer of crispy fried onions for texture and flavor.

Accompanied by Salad

• Pair with a green salad: A light mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.
• Include a fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the savory flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect One Pot Chicken and Rice

To ensure that your one pot chicken and rice is always delicious, follow these helpful tips. A little attention to detail can make all the difference.

• Use quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality chicken stock and rice to enhance flavor.
• Cut chicken evenly: Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed for maximum flavor.
• Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking thickens it up nicely.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding saffron or turmeric for added color and depth of flavor.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep leftovers in glass containers for freshness when reheating.

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Best Side Dishes for One Pot Chicken and Rice

Complement your one pot chicken and rice with some tasty side dishes that will round out your meal perfectly. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the dish.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy, vibrant contrast to the rich flavors of the main dish.
3. Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender for a simple yet elegant side.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with dill brings brightness to your meal while being light on calories.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob adds sweetness that pairs well with savory chicken and rice.
6. Mixed Vegetable Stir-Fry: Quick stir-fried seasonal vegetables offer crunch and complement the textures of your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking One Pot Chicken and Rice can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s final taste and texture.

• Using low-quality rice: Cheap rice varieties can become mushy. Always opt for high-quality long-grain rice like Lundberg California White Jasmine Rice for the best results.
• Not cutting chicken properly: Large chunks of chicken may not cook evenly with the rice. Cut your chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
• Overcooking the dish: Leaving the pot on too long can lead to mushy rice. Follow cooking times closely and check for doneness as you go.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting before serving can result in bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper before serving.
• Ignoring resting time: Serving immediately after cooking can make the dish soupy. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken up before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight glass containers for freshness.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing One Pot Chicken and Rice

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It will maintain quality for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating One Pot Chicken and Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or stock to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this One Pot Chicken and Rice so comforting?

This recipe combines tender chicken with flavorful rice and seasoned vegetables, creating a warm, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.

Can I customize my One Pot Chicken and Rice?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas or bell peppers or adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

How do I prevent my rice from becoming mushy?

Using quality long-grain rice and following the cooking times carefully will help keep your rice perfectly cooked rather than mushy.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes! This One Pot Chicken and Rice is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Chicken and Rice is an easy-to-make dish that is both satisfying and versatile. Its rich flavors appeal to everyone at the table, making it a family favorite. Feel free to customize it with your choice of vegetables or spices to suit your tastes!