Let me tell you about my absolute favorite one pot chicken and rice recipe! It’s seriously one of the simplest and most delicious meals I whip up, especially on those busy weeknights when time is tight but hunger is loud. You just toss everything into one pot, and voilà! You’ve got a hearty, wholesome dish that’s packed with flavor. The chicken turns out tender and juicy, while the rice soaks up all the savory goodness from the broth and spices. Plus, it’s so comforting that everyone at the table will be asking for seconds. Trust me, you’re going to love this hassle-free dinner that practically cooks itself!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious one pot chicken and rice recipe. Grab these simple ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
- 1 pound chicken thighs, bone-in for extra flavor
- 1 cup rice, long grain works best
- 2 cups chicken broth, low sodium preferred
- 1 onion, chopped finely
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas, no need to thaw
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper, freshly ground if you can
- 1 teaspoon paprika, for a touch of warmth
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set for a cozy and satisfying meal! Don’t forget to adjust any seasonings to suit your taste.
How to Prepare the One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the steps for creating this one pot wonder! Trust me, it’s as simple as it gets, and you’ll have this delicious meal ready in no time. Follow along, and you’ll be a one pot pro in no time!
Step 1: Heat the Oil
First things first, heat a splash of oil in your large pot over medium heat. This step is crucial because it ensures that the chicken gets that beautiful golden-brown color when you add it in. Plus, it helps to lock in all those juicy flavors!
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Now it’s time to add the chicken thighs! Let them sizzle away for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned. This step is super important because it builds a fantastic depth of flavor that will infuse into the rice later. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Oh, the smell is divine! This is where the flavor magic happens, so don’t rush it. You want those aromatics to really shine.
Step 4: Add Rice and Broth
Next, stir in the rice, making sure it gets coated with all that delicious oil and flavor from the pot. Then, pour in the chicken broth, and add your salt, pepper, and paprika. Give everything a good stir to combine; this will help the rice soak up all the lovely flavors as it cooks!
Step 5: Simmer and Cook
Now, return the browned chicken to the pot, nestling it right into that flavorful rice mixture. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is where the magic happens—watch as the rice absorbs all the broth and becomes fluffy and tender!
Step 6: Add Peas and Fluff Rice
After 20 minutes, add in the frozen peas and cover the pot again for another 5 minutes. This will warm up the peas without overcooking them. Once done, take a fork and fluff the rice gently before serving. Let it rest for a few minutes, and then dig in while it’s hot!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 40 minutes!
- One-pot convenience means less cleanup for you.
- Hearty flavors that everyone will enjoy.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
- Tender chicken and fluffy rice soaked in savory broth.
This recipe truly combines simplicity and deliciousness, making it a favorite in my kitchen!
Tips for Success
To get the best results with your one pot chicken and rice, I’ve got a few handy tips for you! First, definitely use bone-in chicken thighs; they add so much flavor and moisture to the dish. Don’t be shy with your seasoning—taste as you go and adjust to your preference, especially with salt and pepper. If you want a little kick, consider adding some cayenne or red pepper flakes. And remember, letting the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking helps all those flavors meld together beautifully. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delightful one pot chicken and rice recipe. Each serving contains about 450 calories, 15 grams of fat, and a hearty 30 grams of protein. You’ll also get around 50 grams of carbohydrates and just 1 gram of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but they give you a good idea of what to expect! Enjoy your meal knowing it’s both delicious and filling!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this one pot chicken and rice recipe? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries I get:
Can I use different types of chicken?
Absolutely! While I love using chicken thighs for their flavor and tenderness, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that breasts may cook a bit faster, so watch them closely.
What kind of rice works best?
Long grain rice is my go-to for this recipe, as it cooks up fluffy and separate. You can also use jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant twist!
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach when you add the peas. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which can be rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! This one pot chicken and rice recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Enjoy without worry!
One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe: 5 Steps to Comfort Food
- Gesamtzeit: 40 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A simple and delicious one pot chicken and rice recipe that is easy to prepare.
Zutaten
- 1 pound chicken thighs
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Anweisungen
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chicken and brown on both sides.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add rice, stirring to coat with oil.
- Pour in chicken broth, add salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Return chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add peas, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork and serve hot.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for more flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Stovetop
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 450
- Zucker: 1g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 50g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterin: 100mg
Keywords: one pot chicken and rice recipe
