One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

There are few meals as comforting and universally loved as One Pot Chicken and Rice. Imagine juicy chicken, tender grains, and a creamy, flavorful medley of vegetables all cozied up together in one pan—this recipe truly embraces the simplicity of home cooking while delivering a big, satisfying hug in every spoonful. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that practically guarantees empty plates or a hearty option to share with family and friends, this dish nails it on flavor, texture, and ease. If you adore unfussy, delightful meals, you’ll quickly see why One Pot Chicken and Rice deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this One Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is how it transforms everyday staples into a vibrant, hearty meal. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, enhancing the taste, texture, or color, so don’t be tempted to skip or swap them at random!

• Olive oil: Lends rich, savory depth to the sautéed veggies and helps brown the chicken for extra flavor.
• Butter: Adds a creamy finish and helps those sweet carrots and onions soften beautifully.
• Onion: Offers a gentle, aromatic backbone that infuses the whole dish with warmth.
• Garlic: Brings essential flavor and a subtle savory punch that brightens every bite.
• Carrots: Add natural sweetness and a pop of color, making the whole pot come to life.
• Salt: Absolutely essential for layering flavor throughout every step—don’t skip the divided use.
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: The star of the show, these get wonderfully juicy and tender.
• Pepper: Rounds out the seasoning, offering just the right hint of warmth.
• White wine: De-glazes the pot and deepens the overall savoriness; it also adds a delicious, subtle acidity.
• Hot chicken broth: The secret to morphing plain rice into a creamy, flavor-packed base.
• Rice (Jasmine or Basmati): The canvas for every other ingredient—choose Jasmine for fragrance or Basmati for fluffy grains.
• Fresh Italian parsley: Finely chopped for a fresh, bright lift at the end.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a final layer of creaminess, savoriness, and pure comfort.

How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by setting your heavy soup pot over medium heat. Drizzle in the olive oil, add the butter, and let both melt together into a deliciously fragrant base. Toss in the grated carrots, diced onion, and minced garlic, seasoning with a teaspoon of salt. Let everything sizzle for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are soft and infused with flavor. This first step is where the magic begins—the aromas alone are irresistible!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Next up, add your bite-sized chicken pieces directly to the beautifully softened vegetable medley. Sprinkle with the remaining teaspoon of salt and the pepper. Let the chicken brown on all sides, stirring now and then for about 8 to 10 minutes. Browning doesn’t just cook the chicken; it builds extra layers of flavor that make One Pot Chicken and Rice so satisfying.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Turn up the heat to high and pour in the white wine. As it bubbles, be sure to stir and scrape up any glorious browned bits from the bottom of your pot—they’re pure gold for flavor. Allow the wine to mostly evaporate, which takes about 2 or 3 minutes; you’ll notice the mixture getting more concentrated and savory.

Step 4: Add Broth and Rice

Now, pour in the hot chicken broth, followed by the rice. Give it all a good stir to ensure the grains are evenly distributed and not sticking together or clumping up. Bring the pot to a boil, then immediately cover with a tight-fitting lid and lower the heat. Let the One Pot Chicken and Rice simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes—the rice will soak up liquid, the flavors will come together, and your whole kitchen will smell like pure comfort.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Turn off the heat. Fold in the fresh parsley and parmesan cheese, stirring to create that signature creamy, cheesy finish. Leave the pot covered if you’re not serving right away; this helps keep the One Pot Chicken and Rice warm and perfectly moist until dinnertime.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese and a handful of bright, fresh parsley make this dish pop. If you love a little zip, a squeeze of fresh lemon over each serving will enhance the flavors even more. Cracked black pepper or a drizzle of fruity olive oil are also fantastic finishing touches for your One Pot Chicken and Rice.

Side Dishes

While One Pot Chicken and Rice shines all on its own, it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette. Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a platter of blistered cherry tomatoes also add vibrant color and freshness. Soft, warm bread is another welcome addition to scoop up every last bit of creamy rice.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish family-style in the same pot it was cooked in—it feels rustic and inviting when placed right at the table. For a fun twist, scoop portions into individual ramekins or small bowls and top with a parmesan crisp or even a spoonful of herbed Greek yogurt. If you want to impress at a dinner party, layer the chicken and rice on a large platter and garnish liberally with parsley and lemon zest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover One Pot Chicken and Rice to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors deepen even further overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch a treat rather than an afterthought. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days with no loss of quality.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, just let the One Pot Chicken and Rice cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label and date your containers so you’ll know exactly what culinary treasure awaits you. It’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months frozen.

Reheating

To reheat, simply spoon the desired amount into a saucepan with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore its creaminess. Warm gently over low heat, stirring often, until piping hot. The microwave works too—cover and heat in short bursts to keep the chicken tender and prevent the rice from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook and will need additional broth. Adjust the simmering time to about 45 minutes and check for doneness, adding more liquid as needed.

Is there a substitute for white wine?

If you don’t want to use wine, a splash of extra broth with a squeeze of lemon will provide similar acidity and depth. You’ll still get all the great flavor without the alcohol.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs are fantastic here—they’ll bring even more moisture and a slightly richer flavor to your One Pot Chicken and Rice.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom?

After adding the rice and broth, make sure to stir thoroughly, scraping the pot to loosen anything stuck. Keeping the heat low and using a heavy-bottomed pot helps prevent sticking and burning.

Can I add extra vegetables?

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to toss in peas, chopped bell pepper, or baby spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pot or you might need a touch more broth.

Final Thoughts

There’s something seriously special about a recipe that brings joy and nourishment to the table—and One Pot Chicken and Rice does exactly that. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a little comfort after a long day, this dish delivers every single time. Give it a try, make it your own, and share it with those you love most—you’ll be glad you did!

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