One Pot Chicken and Rice

This One Pot Chicken and Rice dish is a delightful culinary experience that combines comfort with convenience. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and vibrant carrots, this meal is not only gluten-free but also incredibly satisfying. You’ll love how it comes together in one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dish
• For Garnish
• How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Step 1: Cook the Carrots
• Step 2: Toast the Rice
• Step 3: Add Stock and Simmer
• Step 4: Cook the Rice
• Step 5: Add the Chicken
• Step 6: Finish the Dish
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs
• Pair with a Salad
• Serve with Bread
• How to Perfect One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Best Side Dishes for One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Reheating One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in One Pot Chicken and Rice?
• How do I make One Pot Chicken and Rice gluten-free?
• What can I add for extra flavor in One Pot Chicken and Rice?
• Can I prepare One Pot Chicken and Rice ahead of time?
• How long does One Pot Chicken and Rice last in the fridge?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This dish requires minimal prep work and can be cooked in just one pot, making it ideal for beginners.
• Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of herbs, butter, and chicken stock infuses the rice with rich flavors, making every bite a delight.
• Versatile: Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe yields generous servings, making it great for leftovers or meal planning for the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into cooking, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Ensures even cooking and provides enough space for all ingredients to combine beautifully.
• Knife: A sharp knife allows you to chop vegetables quickly and safely.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching the pot’s surface.

Ingredients

This comforting one-pot chicken and rice dish is part soup, part risotto, and entirely satisfying. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful rice, and seasoned carrots, it’s a gluten-free dinner your family will request again and again!

For the Dish

• 4–6 tablespoons butter or vegan butter, divided
• 1 heaping cup shredded or chopped carrots
• Homemade seasoned salt and pepper (see notes)
• 2 scant cups long-grain white rice (Lundberg White Jasmine Rice recommended)
• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 2 chicken breasts (~1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Cook the Carrots

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the shredded carrots along with seasoned salt and pepper. Cover the pot with a lid. Cook for 5-6 minutes while stirring occasionally until the carrots become tender.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Add the rice, dried onion, and dried garlic to the pot. Stir everything together to coat the rice in butter. Sauté for about 1 minute before stirring in the dried parsley flakes.

Step 3: Add Stock and Simmer

Pour in 8 cups of chicken stock. Increase heat to high while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking as it comes to a boil.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes while stirring occasionally until the rice is almost cooked through.

Step 5: Add the Chicken

Season bite-sized chicken pieces with seasoned salt and pepper. Add them to the pot. If necessary, increase heat slightly to bring back to a simmer. Reduce heat again to medium-low; simmer for an additional 7-10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and rice is al dente.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Stir in remaining butter (2-4 tablespoons based on preference). Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Allow resting for 5 minutes so it thickens slightly before serving.

Step 7: Serve

Scoop into bowls and serve warm! Enjoy your delicious one-pot chicken and rice meal!

How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Rice

Serving One Pot Chicken and Rice is all about enhancing its comforting flavors and making it a complete meal. Here are some creative ways to present this delightful dish.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Green Onions: Add sliced green onions for a mild onion flavor and crunch.

Pair with a Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs well, providing a crisp contrast to the warm rice.
• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad can add freshness and lighten up the meal.

Serve with Bread

• Garlic Bread: The buttery taste of garlic bread complements the savory chicken and rice beautifully.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up any leftover broth.

How to Perfect One Pot Chicken and Rice

To make your One Pot Chicken and Rice even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality rice and broth elevate the dish’s flavor significantly.
• Cut Chicken Evenly: Ensure chicken pieces are bite-sized for consistent cooking throughout.
• Season Gradually: Start with light seasoning, then adjust as needed for balanced flavors.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit after cooking helps thicken it and melds the flavors together.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness for future meals.

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Best Side Dishes for One Pot Chicken and Rice

Accompanying your One Pot Chicken and Rice with side dishes can enhance the meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrition and color to your plate.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring a caramelized flavor that pairs nicely with chicken.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that contrasts well with the warm rice dish.
4. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create an indulgent comfort food pairing.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn provides a burst of sweetness that complements savory flavors perfectly.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can refresh your palate after each hearty bite of chicken and rice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the right techniques can make your One Pot Chicken and Rice dish even better. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping seasoning: Failing to season adequately can lead to bland food. Use homemade seasoned salt and pepper generously for optimal flavor.
• Using quick-cooking rice: Quick-cooking rice can become mushy and lose its texture. Stick with long-grain white rice for the best results.
• Not cutting chicken properly: Cutting chicken into large pieces may result in uneven cooking. Always cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.
• Ignoring resting time: Not allowing the dish to rest after cooking can affect texture. Letting it sit for a few minutes helps thicken and improve flavors.
• Overcrowding the pot: Packing too many ingredients can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure there’s enough space in the pot for everything to cook properly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight glass containers to keep them fresh.
• The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing One Pot Chicken and Rice

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring as much air as possible is removed.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating One Pot Chicken and Rice

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in an oven-safe container, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or stock in a pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, approximately 5-10 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in One Pot Chicken and Rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time compared to white rice. If you choose brown rice, adjust the cooking time accordingly and add more liquid.

How do I make One Pot Chicken and Rice gluten-free?

This recipe is already gluten-free as it uses rice and does not include any wheat-based ingredients. Just ensure that your seasoned salt is gluten-free as well.

What can I add for extra flavor in One Pot Chicken and Rice?

Consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or vegetables such as bell peppers or peas for added flavor and nutrition.

Can I prepare One Pot Chicken and Rice ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time by following all steps except adding the chicken. Store it in the fridge and add chicken when you’re ready to cook.

How long does One Pot Chicken and Rice last in the fridge?

It lasts up to 3 days when stored properly in airtight containers.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices, making it suitable for various tastes. We encourage you to try this easy dish that will surely become a family favorite!

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