One-Pot Chicken and Rice: A Cozy Weeknight Meal

This easy one-pot chicken and rice recipe is a comforting and flavorful meal that's perfect for weeknights. The rice is cooked in flavorful broth, and the chicken is perfectly tender and juicy.

You guys know how much I love my one-pot meals. They're easy, cozy, and always satisfying. This Chicken and Rice one-pot meal is kind of a mash-up of two of my other favorite recipes, Cajun Sausage and Rice and Mushroom Rice, and it's definitely moving to the top of my list of favorites. The rice is rich and flavorful, the chicken is super tender, and the whole dish comes together almost effortlessly.

What's in Chicken and Rice?

This super simple dish includes juicy chicken thighs coated in herbs and spices (not spicy!), sautéed onions, and long grain white rice cooked in vegetable broth. Because you cook everything in one pot from start to finish, no flavors are lost. Every bite is packed with rich and delicious flavor.

Can I Use Chicken Breasts?

I highly suggest sticking to chicken thighs for this recipe because chicken breasts can tend to dry out a bit with the double cook (sear first, steam with rice second), and the fattier chicken thighs make the dish nice and rich. It can be done, but it definitely won't be as juicy or tender as chicken thighs. And whichever you use, make sure it's boneless because bone-in chicken needs more time to cook and may not cook through by the time the rice is finished.

What Else Can I Add to Chicken and Rice?

If you want to add some vegetables to the pot, I would try adding a ½ cup frozen peas when you add the broth, or sautéing some mushrooms after the chicken and before the onions.

What to Serve with Chicken and Rice?

Since I didn't add any vegetables in the pot with my chicken and rice, I added some roasted broccoli on the side. I think roasted broccoli is the perfect side because the roasted flavor matches the coziness of the chicken and rice, plus the simple flavor doesn't compete, leaving the chicken and rice to shine. You could also do some steamed green beans, sautéed zucchini, or a simple side salad.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (4-5 thighs)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1.75 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions:

1. Combine the paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Coat both sides of the chicken thighs in the seasoning mix.
2. Add 1 tablespoon cooking oil to a deep skillet and heat over medium. Once hot, swirl to coat the surface of the skillet, then add the chicken thighs. Cook the thighs for a few minutes on each side, or until well browned. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point.
3. Remove the browned chicken to a clean plate. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add an additional 1 tablespoon cooking oil to the skillet, then add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Allow the moisture from the onion to dissolve the browned bits from the skillet as you stir.
4. Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and continue to sauté for 1-2 minutes more to toast the rice.
5. Add the vegetable broth to the skillet and briefly stir to dissolve any remaining brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, setting it on top of the rice. Place a lid on the skillet, turn the heat up to medium-high, and allow the broth to come up to a full boil.
7. Once boiling, turn the heat down to low and let the chicken and rice continue to simmer over low, without lifting the lid or stirring, for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and let it rest, without lifting the lid, for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Finally, remove the lid and fluff the rice around the chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, then serve and enjoy!

This hearty and delicious chicken and rice combines rich and flavorful rice with well-seasoned chicken for an easy one-pot meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!