Description
Simple Chicken and Rice Pot is a comforting, one-pot meal made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and simple seasonings. It’s an easy, budget-friendly, and wholesome dish perfect for a cozy family dinner that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- ½ cup frozen peas or carrots (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken and sautéing the aromatics.
- Cook the chicken: Add diced chicken to the pot and cook for 4–5 minutes until it is lightly browned, ensuring it develops flavor and a nice texture.
- Sauté the onion: Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent, helping to build the base flavor.
- Add garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it to maintain the delicate flavor.
- Combine rice and seasonings: Stir in long-grain white rice, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme or Italian seasoning, evenly distributing the ingredients in the pot.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through and absorb the flavors.
- Cook the vegetables (optional): If using frozen peas or carrots, stir them in and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pot from heat, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains, and serve warm.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs adds extra flavor and moisture to the dish.
- Brown rice can be substituted but requires more liquid and longer cooking time.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
