One Pot Chicken and Rice

When it comes to weeknight dinners, my preference is quick, easy and comforting. This one pot chicken and rice ticks all the boxes. I find myself making it time and again whenever I'm just not in the mood to cook something elaborate and when I've got some chicken in the fridge! All the other ingredients I usually always have in my pantry. The flavors in this dish are so simple and comforting; onion, garlic, basil, oregano, and lemon. Such a perfect combination.

Here's the breakdown of this really simple one pot chicken and rice. You should use bone-in chicken thighs or legs, because the bone will give off extra flavor (although it does mean a longer cooking time). Add the spices to the chicken, and then cook skin side down to get a great sear. Then flip and cook on the other side, and set the chicken aside. In the same pot where all those delicious juices are, you saute the onion and garlic, then add the rice and the spices. Mix it all together, add the chicken back in, and the broth. Then you're done! You cover it, let it cook until the chicken is juicy and tender, and the rice is soft. When you're ready to serve, fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with parsley and finish off with a squeeze of lemon.

This dish is super versatile. You can play around with it and make it your own! I sometimes throw in some frozen peas and carrots when I add the onions and allow them to soften a bit in the broth before I add the rice and chicken back in. My point is - use what you have and adapt it to your taste. It's one of those dishes. If you give this one pot chicken and rice dish a try, do leave me a comment below! I love to hear your feedback, as always! Happy cooking.

For more easy dinner ideas, try these:

• Instant Pot Keema Rice
• Stuffed Eggplant Boats
• Shish Taook (Grilled Chicken)

One Pot Chicken and Rice

Try this mouthwatering one pot chicken and rice recipe today! Tender chicken thighs oozing with flavour served on top of fluffy rice cooked in vegetable broth. The easiest weeknight dinner you can make, this is comfort food done right!

5 from 7 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken and rice, one pot

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 Servings

Author: Amina Al-Saigh

Ingredients

For Chicken:

• ▢ 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• ▢ ½ tsp salt
• ▢ ¼ tsp pepper
• ▢ 1 tsp garlic powder
• ▢ 1 tsp basil
• ▢ 3 tbsp oil

For the Rice:

• ▢ 1 onion diced
• ▢ 5 garlic cloves minced
• ▢ 2.5 cups rice washed and drained
• ▢ 1 tbsp dry basil
• ▢ 1 tbsp dry oregano
• ▢ ½ tsp black pepper
• ▢ 2.5 tsp salt
• ▢ 4 cups vegetable broth or water

For Garnish:

• ▢ Juice of 1 lemon
• ▢ Parsley

Instructions

• Start by seasoning the chicken on each side
• Add the 3 tbsp oil to a pan and heat on high heat, then sear each side for 3-4 mins until a golden crust forms
• Once golden, remove from pan and set aside
• In the same pan, cook the onions for a few minutes until soft, then add the garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes
• Add the rice, along with all the seasoning and the vegetable broth
• Mix well then add the chicken back on top of the rice, cover, and cook on med-low heat for 35-40 minutes
• Check to ensure chicken is cooked through and white on the inside
• Fluff the rice with a fork, squeeze lemon juice on top and garnish with parsley
• Serve with a side salad

Notes

Optional: you can broil the chicken in the oven for 2-3 mins to get an extra crispy crust

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