One Pot Chicken and Rice

This One Pot Chicken and Rice dish is a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for an easy weeknight recipe, this dish delivers on flavor and simplicity. With tender chicken, savory rice, and seasoned carrots, it’s a delightful combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken and Rice
• 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 Side Salad
• Serve with Crusty Bread
• How to Perfect One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Best Side Dishes for One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storing One Pot Chicken and Rice in the Refrigerator
• Freezing One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Reheating One Pot Chicken and Rice
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How can I customize One Pot Chicken and Rice?
• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
• Is One Pot Chicken and Rice gluten-free?
• What can I serve with One Pot Chicken and Rice?
• How do I store leftovers of One Pot Chicken and Rice?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken and Rice

This dish stands out for many reasons:

• Convenience: Prepare everything in one pot, minimizing cleanup time.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of butter, chicken stock, and spices creates a rich flavor profile.
• Versatile: You can customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
• Comforting: It’s warm and hearty, making it an ideal choice for cozy dinners.
• Gluten-free: Enjoy this dish without worrying about gluten content.

Tools and Preparation

To make the cooking process smoother, gather these essential tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: This is crucial for cooking everything evenly in one vessel while allowing enough space for the rice to expand.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: A great tool for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accuracy with your ingredients, which is key to achieving the best flavor.

Ingredients

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, season with seasoned salt and pepper, and place a lid on top. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the carrots are tender.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Add the rice, dried onion, and dried garlic to the pot. Stir to coat the rice in butter and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in the dried parsley flakes.

Step 3: Add Stock and Simmer

Pour in the chicken stock and turn the heat to high. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot as it comes to a boil.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with seasoned salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and turn up the heat slightly to bring it back to a simmer if needed. Reduce heat again to medium-low and continue simmering for 7-10 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Stir in remaining 2-4 tablespoons of butter based on preference. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 7: Serve

Scoop into bowls and serve warm for a delicious meal!

How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Rice

Serving One Pot Chicken and Rice is a delightful experience that can be tailored to your family’s preferences. This dish shines on its own but can be paired with various sides or garnishes to elevate the meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh touch and enhances the dish’s flavor.
• Chopped green onions: Offers a mild onion taste and a pop of color.

Pair with a Side Salad

• Mixed greens salad: Lightens the meal with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette.
• Caesar salad: A classic choice that adds crunch and richness.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Baguette slices: Great for dipping into the savory rice mixture.

How to Perfect One Pot Chicken and Rice

Creating the perfect One Pot Chicken and Rice requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve the best results.

• Choose quality rice: Using high-quality rice, like Lundberg California White Jasmine Rice, ensures better texture.
• Cut chicken evenly: Small, bite-sized pieces will cook uniformly with the rice for optimal tenderness.
• Season properly: Adjusting seasoning throughout cooking helps enhance flavors.
• Let it sit after cooking: Allowing the dish to rest for 5 minutes thickens the sauce and improves flavor.
• Stir occasionally: Regular stirring prevents sticking and promotes even cooking.
• Taste before serving: Always sample your dish before serving to make final adjustments.

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Best Side Dishes for One Pot Chicken and Rice

Complementing your One Pot Chicken and Rice with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Brightens up the plate with vibrant color and nutrients.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Adds depth of flavor with crispy edges; drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flair.
3. Coleslaw: A crunchy, refreshing contrast that balances the warm, comforting chicken and rice.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweetness from corn pairs well, adding a summery vibe to this hearty dish.
5. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes offer rich comfort alongside this one-pot wonder.
6. Crispy Fried Zucchini: Lightly battered zucchini provides a crunchy side that complements the dish nicely.
7. Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears add a gourmet touch when simply grilled or roasted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One Pot Chicken and Rice is a simple recipe, but there are common errors that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Overcooking the rice: This can lead to mushy rice. Make sure to follow the cooking times closely.
• Using low-quality rice: Cheap rice may not absorb flavors well. Opt for high-quality long-grain rice like Lundberg California White Jasmine Rice.
• Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoned dishes can be bland. Use seasoned salt and pepper generously throughout cooking.
• Cutting chicken too large: Large chunks take longer to cook. Cut your chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Skipping resting time: Letting the dish sit helps thicken it and improve flavors. Allow at least 5 minutes before serving.

Storing One Pot Chicken and Rice in the Refrigerator

• Store in airtight glass containers.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing One Pot Chicken and Rice

• Use freezer-safe containers for storage.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating One Pot Chicken and Rice

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I customize One Pot Chicken and Rice?

You can add different vegetables like peas or bell peppers. Experimenting with spices can also enhance flavor.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly since brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.

Is One Pot Chicken and Rice gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses no gluten-containing ingredients.

What can I serve with One Pot Chicken and Rice?

This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I store leftovers of One Pot Chicken and Rice?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer, as mentioned earlier, to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Chicken and Rice combines comfort and simplicity in one dish. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients according to your preferences, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try today!