Savory Easy One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe for Cozy Nights

Imagine this: a cozy evening, the aroma of savory spices wafting through the air, and the sizzle of chicken hitting a hot skillet. This Easy One Pot Chicken and Rice is not just a meal it’s an experience that wraps you in warmth like your favorite blanket on a chilly night. The tender chicken mingles with fluffy rice, creating a harmony of flavors that makes your taste buds dance like no one’s watching.

Now, let me take you back to a time when I first attempted this dish. I was on the verge of hosting my first dinner party and thought, “What could go wrong?” Spoiler alert: everything did But this dish saved the day, proving that even culinary novices can create magic in the kitchen. Whether it’s a family gathering or a laid-back weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to make you look like a gourmet chef without breaking a sweat.

I vividly remember my friend Sarah’s reaction when I served this dish at our game night. She took one bite, sighed contentedly, and declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” Now that’s high praise

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts, adjusting for your guest list to avoid leftovers.
• Long-Grain Rice: Opt for long-grain rice for its fluffy texture when cooked no sticky mess here
• Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the flavor low-sodium is preferable to control saltiness.
• Fresh Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, and peas provide color and nutrition feel free to mix them up.
• Garlic Powder: A must-have for that aromatic kick fresh garlic works wonders too
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for rich flavor during cooking it’s healthy and delicious.
• Spices (Paprika & Thyme): These enhance flavor smoked paprika gives it an extra punch that you’ll love

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients so you can cook seamlessly without interruptions. Chop veggies into bite-sized pieces for even cooking trust me, it makes everything easier.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and let it shimmer. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pot. Cook until golden brown on both sides about 5 minutes each side then remove from pot.

Add Vegetables and Rice: Toss chopped onions and bell peppers into the same pot. Sauté until soft about 3-4 minutes before stirring in the rice along with garlic powder and spices.

Pour in Chicken Broth: Gently pour in enough chicken broth to cover the rice entirely. Return the chicken back into the pot, nestling it among the rice mixture.

Simmer Away: Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Cover tightly and let simmer for 20 minutes or until liquid absorbs completely don’t peek

Fluff & Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat but allow it to sit covered for another 5 minutes. Fluff everything with a fork before serving this enhances texture

Now you have an easy one-pot wonder guaranteed to impress everyone around your dining table

Enjoy your culinary masterpiece

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in moisture, then sauté your veggies before adding rice and broth. This method ensures a flavorful base while keeping the chicken juicy.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for your favorite protein or toss in seasonal veggies. Adding some fresh herbs can also elevate the flavor profile significantly.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.

The first time I made easy one pot chicken and rice, my kids declared me a culinary genius Their laughter filled the kitchen as they devoured it, proving that sometimes simplicity shines brightest.

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white in easy one pot chicken and rice?

Yes, but increase cooking time and liquid for best results.

What vegetables go well with easy one pot chicken and rice?

Carrots, peas, and bell peppers blend beautifully into the dish.

Can I make easy one pot chicken and rice ahead of time?

Absolutely It stores well and reheats nicely for quick meals later.

Print

Easy One Pot Chicken and Rice

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Easy One Pot Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish is not only simple to make but also packed with flavor. With just one pot to clean, you’ll enjoy every bite without the hassle. Impress your loved ones with this hearty meal that wraps you in warmth and contentment.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup mixed bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by chopping the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove from pot.
3. In the same pot, add onions and bell peppers; sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
4. Stir in the rice, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
5. Pour in chicken broth to cover the rice entirely, then add the seared chicken back into the pot.
6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly. Simmer for 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
7. Remove from heat and let sit covered for an additional 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute chicken with your favorite protein or add seasonal vegetables like carrots or zucchini. For added freshness, sprinkle chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently with a splash of broth.