One-Pot Chicken & Rice
Why Make This Recipe
One-Pot Chicken & Rice is a perfect dish for busy weeknights. It’s simple to make, requires minimal cleanup, and combines protein, carbs, and veggies in one pot. This dish is comforting, nutritious, and loved by both kids and adults.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken & Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until lightly browned.
- Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Add the rice, sliced carrots, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the milk and fresh parsley. Simmer uncovered for another 3–4 minutes until creamy.
- Adjust seasoning and serve warm with extra parsley if desired.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken & Rice
Serve One-Pot Chicken & Rice hot, straight from the pot. You can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a nice touch. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
How to Store One-Pot Chicken & Rice
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat again, reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Tips to Make One-Pot Chicken & Rice
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite spices or herbs before cooking.
- Use frozen mixed vegetables for added nutrition and convenience.
- If you want a creamier texture, add more milk or a drizzle of cream at the end.
Variation
You can make this dish with different proteins such as shrimp or tofu. You can also try using brown rice; just adjust the cooking time according to the rice package instructions.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook.
2. Is One-Pot Chicken & Rice gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with chickpeas or other plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
One-Pot Chicken & Rice
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until lightly browned.
- Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Add the rice, sliced carrots, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the milk and fresh parsley. Simmer uncovered for another 3–4 minutes until creamy.
- Adjust seasoning and serve warm with extra parsley if desired.
