One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe (Easy and the Best) (2024)

Published: November 12, 2022 by Sangeetha Vel | Updated: March 12, 2024 Leave a Comment

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Discover the simplicity and richness of One-Pot Chicken and Rice, a meal that effortlessly combines succulent chicken thighs with aromatic basmati or jasmine rice. This dish, a blend of fragrant spices and basic seasonings, offers an easy yet delicious dinner option.

One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe (Easy and the Best) (1)

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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
How to Make One-Pot Chicken and Rice?
Chicken and Rice
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Nutrition Info
Serving Suggestions
Storage Suggestions

Its fuss-free cooking process is perfect for both seasoned cooks and beginners, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying, home-cooked meal that seamlessly blends tradition with a personal touch.

Perfect on its own, it can also be paired with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or salads for a complete meal.

Explore More Chicken Thigh Recipes:

Baked Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Chicken Adobo
Fried Chicken

Ingredients and Substitutions Overview

To craft this delightful Chicken and Rice dish, you'll require a selection of basic spice powders and aromatic ingredients, all commonly found in most grocery stores. Let's explore the essentials you'll need for this recipe:

Ingredients for Seasoning:

One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe (Easy and the Best) (2)

Chicken Thighs: For optimal flavor and juiciness, opt for bone-in, skinless thighs. However, boneless thighs are also a great choice. If you prefer, chicken breast can be used as an alternative.
Paprika: This gives a gentle heat and rich color. If you're up for a spicier twist, feel free to swap it with chili powder, but reduce the quantity to balance the heat.
Black Pepper: It's all about that warm, earthy kick that black pepper brings to your dish.
Onion Powder: This is your secret weapon for a savory, oniony depth without the hassle of chopping.
Garlic Powder: Nothing beats that classic garlicky flavor – it really rounds out the seasoning.
Ginger Powder: Adds a subtle, warm spice. Together with garlic, it helps to mellow out any gamey flavors in the chicken.

Additional Ingredients:

One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe (Easy and the Best) (3)

Aromatics: Bring in the fresh taste and aroma with a mix of cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, bay leaves, onion, and garlic. These are key to infusing your dish with those deep, aromatic flavors.
Rice: Opt for long-grain varieties for a fluffy texture. Basmati rice is my go-to for its fragrance and lightness, but regular long-grain or white, jasmine rice are also excellent choices for a similar delightful outcome.
Butter: Adds a rich, buttery dimension to the rice, making it irresistibly soft.
Chicken Broth or Stock: While water is an option, cooking your rice in chicken broth or stock elevates the dish with an extra layer of savory richness.
Oil: A neutral-tasting oil works best for shallow frying the chicken thighs, ensuring the natural flavors shine through.
Herbs: For a fresh finish, garnish your rice with herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint leaves. They add a pop of color and a refreshing touch to the dish.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken and Rice?

Dive into our one-pot Chicken and Rice recipe with easy-to-follow photos and videos for each step. We'll guide you through Prep Seasoning, Season Chicken, Prep Rice, and finally, Prep Chicken and Rice. Let's begin!

One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe (Easy and the Best) (4)

Explore a World of Flavored Rice Dishes:

Baked Chicken and Rice
Chicken and Rice Soup
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice
Chicken Biryani
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Mandi
Nasi Goreng

Chicken and Rice

Enjoy the simplicity of this One Pot Chicken and Rice, a savory blend of seasoned chicken thighs and aromatic basmati or white rice. Easy to prepare and loaded with flavors, this dish stands out on its own or pairs wonderfully with your favorite vegetables and salads for a fulfilling meal.

5 from 1 vote

Ingredients

For Marination

▢ 4 Chicken Thighs, or chicken breast
▢ 1 tbsp Paprika
▢ ½ tsp Ginger Powder
▢ ¾ tsp Garlic Powder
▢ ¾ tsp Onion Powder
▢ ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
▢ Salt, as needed

Other Ingredients

▢ 1½ cup Long Grain Rice, I have used Basmati here
▢ ½ tsp Cumin Seeds
▢ 1 Cinnamon Stick
▢ 2 Bay Leaves
▢ ¼ cup Onion, chopped
▢ 1 tbsp Garlic, Chopped
▢ 3 cup Chicken Broth, or stock
▢ 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
▢ 2 tbsp Oil, or adjust to pan-fry chicken thighs
▢ Cilantro Leaves, or parsley or mint leaves to garnish

Instructions

To Prep Seasoning

Combine paprika, coriander powder, ginger, garlic, onion, and black pepper powder, along with a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix well to blend all the spices together.

To Season the Chicken

Generously coat the chicken thighs with the prepared seasoning mix, ensuring all sides are evenly covered. Reserve a bit of the seasoning (about ⅙) for later, to be added during the rice preparation.
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After seasoning, let the chicken thighs rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

To Prep Chicken and Rice

While the chicken rests, rinse the rice in clean water 2 to 3 times, until the water runs clear. Set aside.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and fry for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Note: It's okay if the chicken is only partially cooked at this stage, as it will cook further with the rice.
Remove the seared chicken thighs from the oil and set them aside. Also, make sure to save any juices released from the chicken during searing for later use.
In the same pan, add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, onion, and garlic. Sauté until they turn aromatic.
Add the reserved seasoning powder to the pan and sauté until the raw aroma fades away, ensuring the spices are well-integrated and fragrant.
Add the chicken broth to the pan, stirring thoroughly to combine. Heat until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
Next, add the rinsed Basmati rice into the pan, blending it evenly with the mixture. Cook until it comes to a full boil.
Once the rice starts boiling, carefully lay the browned chicken thighs on top, and drizzle over the reserved chicken juices.
Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until both the rice and chicken are fully cooked through.
Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Optionally, garnish with coriander, parsley, or mint leaves. Your flavor-packed Chicken and Rice is now ready to enjoy!

To Serve

Enjoy this savory Chicken and Rice as a standalone dish or elevate it with your preferred side for a truly satisfying meal experience.

Recipe Video

Chef's Notes and Tips

Here are some key tips to perfect your Chicken and Rice:

Rice Selection: Long-grain rice like Basmati is ideal for its aromatic fragrance and fluffy texture. However, white, jasmine, or even brown rice can be used as alternatives.
Rice to Liquid Ratio: Pay attention to the ratio of rice to liquid (like broth or water). Too much liquid can make the rice mushy, while too little can lead to undercooked rice.
Chicken Choices: Opt for bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for their moisture and taste. Boneless thighs are a good alternative. If opting for chicken breast, remember to adjust the cooking time as it cooks faster and can dry out, especially after searing and then cooking in a pot.
Saute Aromatics: Briefly sauté the onions, garlic, and other aromatics before adding the rice. This step intensifies their flavors and infuses the rice with more depth.
Searing Chicken: Ensure the chicken is properly seared to a golden brown before adding it to the rice. This caramelization adds a rich flavor to the overall dish.
Simmer and Cook: After bringing the rice to a boil, add the seared chicken and then lower the heat to the minimum. Cooking on a low setting with the lid on ensures even cooking of both chicken and rice.
Checking for Doneness: Test the rice for doneness before turning off the heat. If it's still too firm, add a little more liquid and continue cooking for a few minutes.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. A little extra salt, pepper, or spice can make a big difference.
Herb Infusion: Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the cooking process for an extra layer of flavor.
Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Resting Time: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and flavorful.

Nutrition Info

Disclaimer

We’re not nutrition experts. Nutritional info is estimated and should be used as a guide. For precise details, consult a professional.

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Dive into our culinary collection, featuring a spectrum of rice dishes and chicken recipes. From aromatic rice meals that capture global flavors to succulent chicken thigh and breast dishes, perfect for those seeking to explore diverse, rich, and vibrant tastes.

Serving Suggestions

To perfectly complement your One Pot Chicken and Rice, consider these delightful pairing options:

Simple Green Salad: Enhance your meal with a fresh and vibrant green salad, tossed in a light vinaigrette. It's the perfect healthy addition to balance the rich flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Add color and nutrition with a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables like green beans, asparagus, and broccoli. This wholesome side is not just delicious but also visually appealing.
Garlic Bread: For a crowd-pleasing option, serve your dish with easy-to-make, aromatic garlic bread. It's ideal for mopping up the flavorful sauce.
Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans offer a simple, nutritious side that complements the main dish without overpowering it.
Raita: If your chicken and rice has a spicy edge, a cool cucumber raita is a refreshing side that brings balance to your palate.
Pickled Vegetables: Offer a tangy touch with easy, quick-pickled carrots or radishes. Their crunchiness adds an exciting texture contrast.
Fruit Salad: Conclude or complement your meal with a light and sweet fruit salad, adding a fresh endnote to your dining experience.

These pairings are not just delicious additions to your meal but also add variety and nutrition, making your dining experience even more enjoyable.

Storage Suggestions

This One Pot Chicken and Rice is most comforting when enjoyed fresh. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results when reheating, gently warm in a microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.