Ultimate One-Pot Chicken & Rice Dinner (Foolproof!)
Alright, let's get stuck in. i was just thinking about how much i hate doing dishes. you know? it's the worst.
Then bam! the idea for one pot chicken and rice hit me. no fuss, all flavor. it's a classic, but this version is seriously foolproof.
Ultimate One-Pot Chicken & Rice: Your New Go-To!
Fancy something tasty but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? this easy chicken and rice recipe is based on comforting southern flavours, but simplified for a weeknight chicken dinner .
Forget complicated recipes. this dish uses just one pot and minimal effort.
This recipe's inspired by southern home cooking, adapted to be quick and easy. expect a savoury and comforting flavor. it feeds 4 people, perfect for a family meal or batch cooking.
It’s also pretty easy even i can't mess it up.
Why This One Pot Meal Rocks
Honestly, the best thing about this quick chicken and rice dinner ? it is health dinner and you only have one pot to wash.
A close second, chicken provides a great source of lean protein. that helps you feel full and satisfied. plus, it's naturally gluten-free rice , a good option for everyone at the table.
This chicken and rice comfort food is perfect when you need a warm hug in a bowl. or you know, if you're trying to be healthy and impress your mum at the same time? seriously though, i’ve made this for everyone from picky kids to my foodie friends, and it always gets rave reviews.
What makes this recipe special is you get a tasty and balanced health dinner recipes in one go.
Alright, let's dive into what you need to make this amazing one pot chicken and rice . honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.
I love a good health dinner , and this ticks all the boxes. plus, it's usually a gluten-free dinner option, depending on your broth.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
Okay, so first things first. you'll need 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil. nothing fancy, just your regular stuff.
Then, grab 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. cut 'em into bite sized pieces. quality wise? look for chicken that's pink and firm, not slimy or pale.
Nobody wants dodgy chicken. season generously with 1 teaspoon (5g) of salt and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) of black pepper.
Next up, the veggies! we need 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. about a cup. then 2 carrots, peeled and diced (again, about a cup).
Followed by 2 celery stalks, diced (you guessed it, another cup-ish). don't forget 2 cloves of minced garlic. finally, 1 cup (185g) of long grain rice rinsed, of course.
Always rinse your rice! this is for a gluten-free rice result. trust me.
For the liquid, get ready with 2 cups (475 ml) of chicken broth. then, near the end, chuck in 1/2 cup (85g) of frozen peas.
A handful of 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish to finish. bam!
Seasoning Notes: Spicing Things Up!
Thyme and rosemary are the heroes here. we're talking 1 teaspoon (5ml) of dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) of dried rosemary.
That combo just screams chicken and rice comfort food , you know? if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes is good.
I find this such an easy chicken and rice recipe . if you don't have rosemary, oregano works in a pinch.
It isn't a bad compromise.
Equipment Needed: Keeping it Simple
For equipment, you only need basic stuff. you want a large dutch oven or a heavy bottomed pot with a lid.
That's crucial. then a cutting board and a sharp knife. plus your measuring cups and spoons. i can't stress this enough: don't go thinking you need fancy pans .
Keep it simple. for a quick chicken and rice dinner , less is more! this one pot meal ideas recipe requires almost nothing and is a true weeknight chicken dinner solution.
I think of this as a health dinner recipes .
Alright, let's whip up some ultimate one-pot chicken & rice dinner! this is proper comfort food, innit? forget endless washing up.
This easy chicken and rice recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight.
Prep Like a Pro
Think of this as your mise en place , yeah? get everything ready before you start. that way, you're not scrambling around when things get hot.
Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. mince the garlic. measure out your rice and broth. it's like a well oiled machine, honestly! also, this recipe can be a perfect health dinner for the whole family.
Essential Mise en Place
First, chop 1 medium yellow onion, 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks. Mince 2 cloves garlic. Measure 1 cup of long grain rice, 2 cups chicken broth, and 1/2 cup frozen peas.
Time Saving Tips
Pre-chopped veggies from the supermarket are a lifesaver. honestly, anything to save a few minutes after a long day. plus, rinsing the rice beforehand stops it getting sticky.
It is a crucial step for a proper gluten-free rice dish!
One-Pot Chicken and Rice: step-by-step
Right, let's get cooking! This one pot chicken and rice is as easy as pie. Well, easier than making pie crust, anyway.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Brown 1.5 lbs of chicken seasoned with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Remove the chicken when it's browned.
- Sauté Veggies: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes.
- Aromatics: Stir in the garlic, 1 teaspoon thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon rosemary. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Rice and Broth: Add the rice and 2 cups chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Return the chicken. Simmer for 20 minutes , or until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165° F/ 74° C .
- Pea Power: Stir in the 1/2 cup frozen peas for the last 5 minutes .
- Rest and Serve: Take it off the heat, let it sit for 5 minutes , fluff it, and serve.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
Listen, i've made this dish a million times. so, here's the real tea. using good quality chicken broth makes a massive difference.
Seriously. also, don't keep lifting the lid! you'll let out all the steam, and the rice won't cook properly. looking for some one pot meal ideas ? this one is great.
Avoiding Disaster
Don't overcook the rice! No one likes mushy rice, right? Also, make sure your chicken is cooked through! 165° F/ 74° C is the magic number. Nobody wants food poisoning.
make-ahead Magic
You can totally prep the veggies and sear the chicken earlier in the day. then, when you get home, it's just a matter of throwing everything in the pot.
Perfect for a quick chicken and rice dinner . and honestly, this is my idea of perfect chicken and rice comfort food after a long day.
Plus, you can easily make it a gluten-free dinner and gluten-free dairy-free option by checking your broth ingredients! this health dinner recipes is a lifesaver!
Okay, here's that "Recipe Notes" section, written just how you asked!
Recipe Notes for The Best One Pot Chicken and Rice
Right, let's dive into a few extra bits about my one pot chicken and rice recipe. this is where we'll cover the finer details that make a good recipe great .
Honestly, these little tweaks are what i've picked up over the years that make cooking so much easier! plus, this is where you can really make this a health dinner to meet your needs!
Plating Like a Pro and Serving Suggestions
First impressions count, right? for plating, pile the chicken and rice comfort food high in a bowl. a sprinkle of fresh parsley is mandatory it just brightens everything up.
You know? think of it like adding lipstick to an outfit. serve this dish hot, maybe alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
The acidity really cuts through the richness of the rice. steamed broccoli or green beans are also a winner. and don't forget some crusty bread to mop up all that delicious broth.
It's like a warm hug in a bowl.
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? lucky you! this easy chicken and rice recipe keeps well. pop it into an airtight container and it's good in the fridge for up to three days.
For longer storage, freezing is totally an option. just portion it out into freezer safe containers and it'll last for about two months.
Reheating is a doddle microwave it, or gently warm it in a pan with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Important: make sure it's piping hot all the way through .
Twists and Turns: Recipe Variations
Fancy shaking things up? you bet! for a gluten-free rice dish, just make sure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
Simple. dairy-free is just as easy because this recipe is already gluten-free dairy-free . for a veggie version, swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu it still delivers that comforting vibe.
When it comes to seasonal swaps, try adding roasted butternut squash in the autumn or some sun-dried tomatoes in the summer.
Feel free to play around!
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, so this isn’t exactly diet food, but it’s a pretty balanced meal. this weeknight chicken dinner contains roughly 450 calories , about 35 grams of protein , 15 grams of fat and approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
It's a good source of protein and provides some fiber from the veggies. the key health benefits come from the lean protein in the chicken and the vitamins from the vegetables.
So there you have it! a complete guide to making the perfect quick chicken and rice dinner . don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Happy cooking, you legends! i hope my health dinner recipes become your new favourite.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my one pot chicken and rice from being mushy?
Ah, the dreaded mushy rice! First, ensure you're rinsing your rice before cooking to remove excess starch think of it like giving it a little spa treatment before the main event.
Secondly, resist the urge to peek under the lid while it's simmering; every time you lift the lid, steam escapes, messing with the cooking process. Finally, let it rest for a good 5 minutes after cooking; this allows the residual steam to distribute evenly.
Can I use different types of rice for this one pot chicken and rice recipe?
Absolutely! While long grain rice is generally recommended, you can experiment. Basmati rice is a good substitute, but you might need to slightly reduce the amount of liquid as it tends to absorb water differently.
Avoid using short grain rice like Arborio (risotto rice) as it will result in a much creamier, stickier texture, which isn't ideal for this dish. Think of it like choosing the right tool for the job long grain is your trusty hammer for this recipe!
What's the best way to store leftover one pot chicken and rice?
Leftovers are your friend! Store your completely cooled one pot chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out; a little moisture is key.
You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, just make sure it's heated through thoroughly.
Can I make one pot chicken and rice in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
You sure can! For a slow cooker, sear the chicken and sauté the vegetables as per the instructions, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to sear the chicken and sauté the vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Each appliance cooks a little differently, so keep an eye on it the first time!
Is there a vegetarian option for this one pot chicken and rice recipe?
Definitely! You can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Simply substitute the chicken with chickpeas or diced firm tofu for a protein boost. Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.
You could also add some extra veggies like chopped bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and nutrients get creative with it!
My one pot chicken and rice is bland. What can I do to add more flavor?
Don't worry, we can rescue it! First, make sure you're using a good quality chicken broth, as that's the base of the flavor. Add more herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors.
Taste and adjust as you go a little seasoning can go a long way! Consider a bay leaf during the simmering stage too, but remember to remove it before serving, just like Nanny would.
Ultimate One Pot Chicken Rice Dinner Foolproof
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |
