One-Pot Chicken and Rice – Cozy, Tender & Full of Flavor

This One-Pot Chicken and Rice is the ultimate easy comfort meal: juicy chicken thighs simmered with perfectly seasoned rice, garlic, onions, and warm spices. Everything cooks together in one pot, making it the perfect weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Inspired by classic dishes like Arroz con Pollo, this recipe delivers rich aroma, tenderness, and heartiness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ One-pot recipe — zero mess
✔ Juicy, flavorful chicken thighs
✔ Rice cooks perfectly in the broth
✔ Simple, budget-friendly ingredients
✔ Family-friendly and great for leftovers

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups long-grain rice, rinsed
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp turmeric (optional for color)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup frozen peas (optional)
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Season and brown the chicken
   Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat oil in a large pot and sear chicken skin-side down until golden, about 5–6 minutes. Flip and brown the other side. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics
   Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add rice and seasoning
   Stir rice into the pot to coat with oil and aromatics. Add turmeric, more paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add broth and chicken
   Pour in chicken broth and stir. Place browned chicken thighs on top, skin-side up. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cook
   Cover pot and cook on low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
6. Finish with peas
   Stir in frozen peas and cover for 5 minutes to warm through.
7. Serve
   Fluff rice gently, garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve warm.

Tips & FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes — reduce the cooking time by 5 minutes.

Can I add vegetables?
Bell peppers, carrots, peas, or corn all work great.

Does this work with basmati rice?
Yes, but reduce broth to 2 ¼ cups.

How long do leftovers keep?
Up to 3 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.

Nutrition Summary

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Sugar	Fiber
1 serving	520	28g	48g	24g	3g	2g

Approximate values.