If you’re looking for a fast, comforting weeknight meal that feels like something from a home‑cooked casserole but comes together in one pot, this Easy Chicken and Rice One‑Pot Dinner is exactly what you need. Tender pieces of chicken are simmered with rice in a savory broth until fluffy and flavorful, while vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach add color and nutrition. Everything cooks in a single pot, so cleanup is a breeze, and the whole meal comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or a quick lunch you can pack and reheat.
This version is designed to be pantry‑friendly and easy to scale up for leftovers or a crowd. The rice soaks up the broth and seasonings, creating a creamy, comforting texture without any heavy cream. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Complete Ingredient List (Serves 4)
This version is pantry‑friendly and easy to scale up for leftovers or a crowd.
For the Chicken and Rice
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite‑sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long‑grain white rice (or brown rice, adjusted for cooking time)
- 2 cups low‑sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
For Serving (Optional)
- Steamed or roasted vegetables
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
Step‑By‑Step Instructions
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium‑high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside, keeping it warm.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. If the pot looks dry, add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze and scrape up any browned bits.
Toast the Rice
Stir the rice into the onion mixture and cook for 1–2 minutes, tossing so the rice gets lightly toasted. This step helps the rice hold its shape and absorb the liquid evenly.
Simmer Until Rice Is Tender
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. If the mixture looks too dry before the rice is done, add a splash more broth or water.
Finish with Chicken and Vegetables
Stir in the frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables) and the cooked chicken. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are heated through and the chicken is fully cooked. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Serve
Serve the Easy Chicken and Rice One‑Pot Dinner warm, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. It pairs beautifully with steamed or roasted vegetables and a simple green salad.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Rice One‑Pot Dinner
Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat; they stay tender even if slightly overcooked. For a lighter version, skip the cream and rely on the broth and vegetables for richness. Make a bigger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice. For meal prep, divide the rice and chicken into containers and add fresh herbs just before eating so they stay bright.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
This dish is rich in protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the rice. The vegetables add fiber and vitamins, while the broth brings savory flavor without excess fat. You can lighten it by using less oil, more vegetables, or a lighter broth alternative.
Why This Works So Well for TikTok and Pinterest
The Easy Chicken and Rice One‑Pot Dinner is incredibly photogenic: golden rice studded with colorful vegetables and tender chicken, topped with fresh herbs, makes it pop on camera. The one‑pot, 30‑minute timeline is perfect for short‑form video, and the “ready in 30 minutes” hook resonates with busy home cooks. For Pinterest, focus on overhead shots of the pot with steam rising and a sprinkle of herbs, and keep the background simple so the colors stand out.
Serve this dish with extra lemon wedges and a side of roasted vegetables. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this easy, flavorful one‑pot dinner has become such a favorite for quick weeknight meals and meal prep.