Juicy One Pot Chicken and Rice – 4 Easy Steps to Perfection

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You know those nights when you’re starving but the last thing you want is a sink full of dishes? That’s exactly why I fell in love with this one pot chicken and rice recipe. It’s become my go-to when life gets chaotic—which, let’s be honest, is most weeknights! I still remember the first time I made it—my kitchen smelled amazing, my family raved, and cleanup took all of two minutes. The magic happens when golden chicken thighs simmer with rice in savory broth, creating this cozy, comforting meal that feels way fancier than the effort required. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked any other way on busy evenings.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken and Rice

Oh, let me count the ways! Seriously, this recipe is a total game-changer for so many reasons:

Easy cleanup: Just one pot to wash? Yes, please!
Rich flavor: The chicken and rice cook together, so every single bite is infused with savory goodness.
Minimal prep: It comes together in minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have.
Family-friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even my pickiest eater devours.

It’s just the best, most reliable dinner for any night of the week.

Ingredients for One Pot Chicken and Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy, flavorful dish. Trust me, it’s worth grabbing the exact ingredients—especially those bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They add SO much flavor!

2 tbsp olive oil
4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika

That’s it! Simple, right? Just a handful of pantry staples for a meal that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually does.

How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice

Okay, here’s the fun part—let’s make this delicious dish step by step. I promise, it’s way easier than it sounds, and the results are SO worth it!

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

First, heat up that olive oil in your pot over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, season your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika—don’t skip this step; it’s where the flavor starts! Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken skin-side down and let it sizzle for about 4-5 minutes until it’s golden and crispy. Flip and brown the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this step—it’s what gives the dish that rich, savory depth. Once browned, set the chicken aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Rice

In the same pot (hello, flavor!), toss in the diced onion and let it soften for about 3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds—you don’t want it to burn! Next, add the rice and stir it around for about a minute to toast it slightly. This little step makes the rice extra fluffy and delicious.

Step 3: Simmer and Serve

Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a quick stir. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pot, skin-side up. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Here’s the key: DON’T lift the lid! That steam is working its magic. After 20 minutes, take it off the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting time lets the rice absorb all that flavorful liquid. Then, dig in and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect One Pot Chicken and Rice

Here are my tried-and-true tips to nail this dish every time:

Skin-on chicken: It adds so much flavor and keeps the meat juicy. Don’t skip it!
Keep the lid on: Resist the urge to peek—steam is your best friend for fluffy rice.
Broth adjustments: If your rice looks dry, add a splash more broth before the final rest.

Follow these, and you’ll have a perfect one-pot meal every time!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Listen, I get it—sometimes you gotta work with what’s in the fridge! Here are my favorite ways to tweak this recipe without losing that cozy, comforting vibe:

Chicken swaps: Boneless thighs work fine (reduce cook time by 5 minutes), or drumsticks for extra juicy meat.
Rice options: Brown rice needs about 10 extra minutes simmering—just add more broth if needed.
Veggie boost: Toss in diced carrots or peas with the onions for extra color and nutrition.

The beauty? It’s still that same magical one-pot wonder, just with your personal spin!

Serving Suggestions for One Pot Chicken and Rice

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but here’s how I love to round it out: a pile of garlicky sautéed spinach, a crisp green salad, or—my favorite—a hunk of warm, crusty bread to soak up all that delicious broth. Sometimes I’ll even add a squeeze of lemon over the top for a bright little kick!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers? No problem! This one pot chicken and rice keeps beautifully. Just pop it in an airtight container—it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave to bring back that perfect texture. The rice stays surprisingly fluffy!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious serving of this one pot chicken and rice (and yes, I’ve eaten enough to know it’s worth every bite!):

Calories: About 450 per serving
Fat: 18g (but most is that good-for-you olive oil and chicken fat)
Protein: A solid 28g – perfect for keeping you full
Carbs: Around 40g (all that fluffy rice goodness)

Of course, exact numbers might wiggle a bit depending on your chicken size or rice type – but it’s always gonna be hearty, wholesome comfort in a bowl!