One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipes are lifesavers when you’re short on time. You toss everything into a single pan, let it simmer, and dinner makes itself. This isn’t just a recipe—it’s the kind of meal you make after a long day and still feel good about.
I’ve made this in small apartments with two burners and in my friend’s tiny RV kitchen.
It always works, and it always tastes like comfort.
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipes
Ingredients
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1 pound chicken thighs or drumsticks, bone-in
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1 ½ cups long-grain rice, rinsed
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1 medium onion, chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 medium carrot, sliced thin
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½ cup frozen peas
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1 teaspoon turmeric
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
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2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
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3 cups chicken broth
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Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
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Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
Step 1
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add the chicken. Sear each side for 5 minutes until golden. Take it out and set aside.
Step 2
Toss in the onions and garlic. Stir for about 3 minutes. They should soften and begin to brown slightly.
Step 3
Add turmeric, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Let it toast for 30 seconds.
Step 4
Pour in the rice. Stir gently to coat each grain. Cook for 2 minutes. This helps add flavor.
Step 5
Add sliced carrots and pour in the broth. Bring everything to a boil.
Step 6
Place the seared chicken back into the pot. Make sure they’re tucked in, not floating.
Step 7
Cover with a tight lid. Turn the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
Step 8
Turn off the heat. Keep the lid on. Let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps finish cooking.
Step 9
Add peas. They’ll warm up in the steam. Fluff the rice gently and garnish with herbs and lemon slices.
Note
Don’t skip the resting time. It keeps the rice from getting soggy and helps absorb leftover liquid.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Use bone-in chicken for better flavor. The fat helps flavor the rice while keeping the meat juicy. Always rinse your rice. This prevents it from clumping and makes it fluffy. Don’t lift the lid while cooking. That steam is what cooks the rice through. Add the peas at the end. They’ll stay bright and fresh that way. Lemon on the side adds the right balance. It cuts through the richness.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipes offer a full meal with less mess. They work for weeknights, meal preps, or lazy days. Keep it simple, let the rice soak up the flavor, and don’t overthink the process. Use real spices and good broth to make each bite count. This dish is warm, filling, and keeps people coming back for seconds. And the best part—it only takes one pot to do it.
