One Pot Chicken and Rice
This One Pot Chicken and Rice is about to become your family’s favorite meal. Perfectly cooked skinless chicken thighs sit atop fluffy rice, creating a comforting dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough for special occasions. With its simple preparation and rich flavors, this recipe is perfect for busy individuals and families alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This one pot chicken and rice comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The blend of smoked paprika, herbs, and spices infuses the chicken and rice with delightful flavors that everyone will love.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means less mess and easier cleanup after dinner.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of chicken.
- Hearty and Filling: This dish is not only satisfying but also nutritious, providing a balanced meal in one serving.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make preparing your One Pot Chicken and Rice smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: A sturdy pot ensures even cooking of both the chicken and rice, preventing burning.
- Mixing bowls: These are crucial for seasoning the chicken evenly before cooking.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1½ cups uncooked basmati rice
– 6 chicken thighs
– 1 ½ tsp mixed herbs (Substitute with Italian seasoning or herb de Provence)
– 2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 2 Tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup onion chopped (any types of onion would work for this recipe.)
– 1 Tbsp butter
– 3 cups low sodium chicken stock
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ½ cup green onions to garnish (sub with chives, parsley or coriander)
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
In a small mixing bowl, combine the smoked paprika, mixed herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then set it aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to a large bowl. Sprinkle on most of the seasoning mixture while reserving about a teaspoon for later use. Mix well until each thigh is coated evenly with spices.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in your large pot over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs skin side down into the hot oil. Sear them for about three minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4: Cook the Onions and Rice
In the same pot with residual oil, sauté chopped onions until they are soft and translucent. Add butter to melt it into the onions. Stir in the rinsed basmati rice and toast it for one to two minutes while ensuring it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Pour in low sodium chicken stock over the rice, add reserved seasoning, and stir well. Make sure to deglaze any bits stuck at the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Combine Chicken with Rice
Arrange seared chicken thighs over the seasoned rice mixture in your pot. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low-medium. Allow everything to cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until rice is tender and fully cooked.
Step 6: Final Touches
Remove from heat once done; garnish with chopped green onions. Let it stand covered for another three minutes before fluffing up rice gently with a fork. Serve warm! Enjoy your delicious One Pot Chicken and Rice!
How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Rice
Serving One Pot Chicken and Rice can be both fun and creative. This dish is versatile, allowing you to present it in various ways that suit your family’s tastes or the occasion.
Family Style
- Serve the chicken and rice directly from the pot on a large platter. This creates a communal feel where everyone can dig in together.
Individual Bowls
- Dish out single servings into bowls for a more personal touch. Top with extra green onions or herbs for added flavor.
With Fresh Salad
- Pair your meal with a light salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken and rice perfectly.
Topped with Fried Eggs
- For an extra protein boost, serve each portion topped with a fried egg. The runny yolk adds creaminess to the dish.
Accompanied by Bread
- Offer crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side. They are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
How to Perfect One Pot Chicken and Rice
To achieve the best results with your One Pot Chicken and Rice, consider these helpful tips:
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Use quality chicken thighs: Choosing high-quality, skinless chicken thighs ensures that the meat remains tender and flavorful throughout cooking.
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Rinse your rice: Rinsing the basmati rice helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffy rice without clumping.
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Adjust seasoning: Always taste before serving! You can add more salt or spices to suit your family’s preferences.
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Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit covered for a few minutes after cooking helps enhance flavors as they meld together.
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Experiment with herbs: Feel free to swap out mixed herbs for fresh herbs or different seasonings based on what you have available.
Best Side Dishes for One Pot Chicken and Rice
Complementing your One Pot Chicken and Rice with side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
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Garlic Bread: A crunchy garlic bread is perfect for mopping up sauce from your plate.
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Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients, balancing the richness of the chicken.
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Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the warm rice dish.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables offer additional flavors while being easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
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Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is always a crowd-pleaser, bringing sweetness that pairs well with savory dishes.
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Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad adds brightness, making it a light and refreshing addition to your meal.
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Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide a hearty side option that everyone loves.
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Mixed Bean Salad: A protein-packed mixed bean salad introduces variety while complementing the main course beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making One Pot Chicken and Rice can be simple, but some common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Using unseasoned chicken: Always season your chicken well before cooking. This enhances the flavor and ensures a delicious meal.
- Neglecting to rinse the rice: Skipping this step can make your rice sticky. Rinse until the water runs clear for fluffy rice.
- Overcrowding the pot: If you add too much chicken at once, it won’t sear properly. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve a nice golden brown color.
- Not letting it rest: Allow your dish to sit after cooking. This helps flavors meld together and makes the rice fluffier.
- Ignoring cooking times: Different types of rice may require varied cooking times. Always check for doneness before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing One Pot Chicken and Rice
- Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Can be kept frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating One Pot Chicken and Rice
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock to keep moist. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is One Pot Chicken and Rice?
One Pot Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken thighs with perfectly cooked rice, all made in one pot for easy cleanup.
How long does it take to cook One Pot Chicken and Rice?
The total time is about 30 minutes, including prep and cook time.
Can I use different types of chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts or drumsticks based on your preference.
Is One Pot Chicken and Rice healthy?
Yes! It’s nutritious, especially with lean chicken thighs and whole grain rice. Adjust ingredients as needed for dietary preferences.
Can I add vegetables?
Certainly! Feel free to include vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers during the cooking process for added nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite seasonings or add vegetables to suit your family’s taste. Give this comforting dish a try; it’s sure to become a weeknight staple!
One Pot Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
One Pot Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort meal that your family will love! This easy-to-make dish features succulent skinless chicken thighs nestled atop fluffy basmati rice, infused with rich flavors from smoked paprika and mixed herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this one-pot wonder allows for minimal cleanup while delivering maximum taste. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your family’s preferences. Enjoy a hearty meal that’s not only delicious but also nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups uncooked basmati rice
- 6 skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1½ tsp mixed herbs (or Italian seasoning)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 cups low sodium chicken stock
- Olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until clear; set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, season chicken thighs with smoked paprika, mixed herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear seasoned chicken thighs until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions until translucent. Stir in butter and then toast the rinsed rice for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chicken stock and reserved seasoning; deglaze the pot.
- Place seared chicken on top of the rice mixture, cover, reduce heat to low-medium, and cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
