My Cookbook: Souk to Table 
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.
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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:
One Pot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
For Chicken:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 3 tablespoons oil
For the Rice:
- 1 onion, diced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 1/2 cups rice, washed and drained
- 1 tablespoon dry basil
- 1 tablespoon dry oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 4 cups vegetable broth, or water
For Garnish:
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 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
I added some cinnamon and a bit of allspice and it came out great, very simple and minimal clean up
Hi, I did this and added some extra veg at the start, was lovely! I cant understand how the frozen peas didnt go really mushy though? They somehow didnt though. Thanks.
Turned out great thanks, even though I risked tweaking ratios and amounts a bit.
What kind of rice is best to use for this?
I always recommend long grain basmati rice, as it’ll hold up better to the moisture. Good luck!
Lovely recipe! Can I ask what type of pan you use for this dish?
Hi! I typically use a deep skillet (at least 2 inches) with a tight fitting lid. It’s about 10 inches in diameter. I find this size fits the amount perfectly. Otherwise, you can also use a pot! Hope this helps.
Perfect for a full-term pregnant Mama trying to make a quick, yummy dinner 🙂
Used fresh dill and coriander instead of basil and oregano – still perfect.
Thanks!
I am so glad that this came in handy for you! I hope you had a safe delivery!
Amina – I just made this and its such an easy dish. Works great for even a dinner party with kids!
Thank you Sundus for sharing your feedback!
Lovely dish! I think I used a bit too much water because of poor measurements (by myself) converting cups to dl. It got a bit soggy. The taste was perfect! The lemon and parsley is key to the taste! -Elisabeth
Thanks for the feedback Elizabeth! I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I’m a sucker for one pot dishes and Loved this super easy and delicious recipe.
Husband said it’s definitely worth a repeat. 💃
Thank you!
Yay – so glad to hear that Ruwaisa! 🙂
Thank you for this delicious, easy and quick recipe. I love one pot meals and this one was perfect for a quick weeknight meal. My family loved it and we all found it so flavorful. I always ask my husband after I try a new recipe if it’s a repeat meal and this one was a definite yes!!
Yay – so glad to hear that Rabab! I also love the quick one pot meals and try to do those a lot around here. Thanks so much for the feedback 🙂
This is just an easy recipe, my three year old loved it! The chicken was so juicy from inside and crisp on the outside, I never thought I could make chicken like that , thank you Amina for this
You’re very welcome Zainab – so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the review!
We made this for dinner and it was a big hit! The flavors were on point, and I love that this was a one pot meal. Easy and simple to follow as well. Thank you!
Yay – makes me so happy Sumra! Thanks for the kind review!
Assalaamu alaikum. Alhumdulillah this dish was thoroughly enjoyed by my family. Definitely a keeper.
I am so glad you and the family enjoyed it Somayya! Thanks for the review!