One Pot Chicken and Rice is a classic comfort food if there ever was one. This version is a super simple one-pot wonder that the entire family will love. Full of wonderful flavor, super cozy and perfect for fall, this recipe even has an easy cleanup. What’s not to like about that?!
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This One Pot Chicken and Rice is one of my favorites and for so many reasons. First of all, it’s so very easy. Everything cooks in one pot with very minimal work. I love a minimal effort, maximum return recipe and this is just such a recipe.
Chicken and Rice is also so cozy. It’s a perfect dinner for the cooler temps. When you need comfort food, and you need it pronto, make this. Everyone will be happy. And, I mean everyone.
Made up of simple pantry staples, this recipe is sure to be on rotation all the time. For you, for the kids, for a casual dinner get-together, it’s just wonderful. And, don’t worry. The leftovers are almost better the next day!
chicken and rice ingredients
- Bone-In Chicken Thighs
- Uncooked White Long Grain Rice
- Shallots or Red Onion
- Mushrooms
- Garlic
- Smoked Paprika
- Turmeric
- Kosher Salt
- Fresh Ground Pepper
- Chicken Broth
- Salted Butter
- Parmesan Cheese
let’s talk about the rice
The rice part of the Chicken and Rice is very important. I have a few pointers that will ensure you get the best possible outcome.
- Use a good quality, long-grain rice. I use a Jasmati. Basmati or Jasmine would be great as well.
- Do not use a Minute-style rice. You will end up with a bowl of mush. Nobody wants that.
- Rinse your rice well and until the water becomes clear. This will help prevent mushiness and keep the grains from sticking to each other. If you’re worried about the waste water, use the milky rice water to give to your plants. My plants love it!
- Once the lid goes on for the rice and chicken to cook, no peeking. Don’t do it. No touchy.
how to make one pot chicken and rice
The simplicity of this Chicken and Rice recipe is the stuff of legend. Ok, ok. That might be a bit much, but seriously, this couldn’t be any easier.
To begin, season the chicken thighs with the kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, smoked paprika, and the turmeric. Make sure the season adheres to the chicken. Don’t be afraid to get in there with your hands!
Next, we sear. In a pan on medium-high heat, sear the seasoned chicken, skin-side down, for about 4-5 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs and sear the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Turn the heat down to medium. If needed, add a little drizzle of avocado oil and toss in the shallots, garlic, and mushrooms. Sauté these for just a few minutes or until fragrant. They will finish cooking along with the rice.
Pour in the very hot broth and deglaze the bottom of the pan. Scrap up all those little toasty bits on the bottom of the skillet. That’s where a ton of flavor is. Don’t skip this step!
Mix in the rinsed rice, stirring to combine everything. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice.
Cover with a lid and allow the chicken and rice mixture to cook for about 25 minutes or until all the liquids are absorbed into the rice.
Before serving, I like to stir in a tablespoon of butter and healthy sprinkle of parmesan. You know, to make it just a little more better and wonderful and delicious. And, because butter and cheese make everything tasty.
Enjoy!
recipe frequently asked questions
In my very humble opinion, the bone-in chicken thigh is the best cut outside of using a whole chicken. It has more flavor and will stay nice and juicy even if overcooked a bit. It will always be my cut of choice.
If you decide to go the way of the chicken breast, please use a bone-in, skin on cut. That will give you the best flavor/juiciness factor. However, depending on size, it may take longer to cook.
Confirm that whatever cut of chicken you choose, it cooks to 165° internal.
This recipe is 100% gluten-free. No need to worry about that.
To make this recipe dairy-free, simply leave out the butter at the end. Leave out the parmesan cheese and substitute it with a little bit of nutritional yeast or your favorite DF cheese.
I add the turmeric to the recipe not only for color, but also for it’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties. There is not enough added that you can taste it, but the turmeric along with the fresh ground black pepper is just really good for you. And, the kids. And, everyone. So, you should add it.
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One Pot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1-2 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 shallots, diced
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp fresh ground black pepper
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1½ cups long grain white rice, rinsed
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2¾ cups chicken broth this needs to be very hot
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with the kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, smoked paprika, and the turmeric. Make sure the season adheres to the chicken. Don't be afraid to get in there with your hands!
- Next, we sear. In a pan on medium-high heat, sear the seasoned chicken in a bit of avocado oil, skin-side down, for about 4-5 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs and sear the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Turn down the heat to medium. Toss in the shallots, garlic, and mushrooms. Sauté these for just a few minutes or until fragrant. They will finish cooking along with the rice.
- Pour in the hot broth and deglaze the bottom of the pan, scrapping up all the little cooked bits.
- Mix in the rinsed rice, stirring to combine everything. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice.
- Cover with a lid and allow the chicken and rice mixture to cook for about 25 minutes or until all the liquids are absorbed into the rice.
- Before serving, stir in the butter and parmesan.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my One Pot Chicken and Rice recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! And, please leave a comment or star rating below. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don’t hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
–Rufus
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If you guys make this One Pot Chicken and Rice, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
super easy for a busy night and the whole family loved it (even the kid)!
I am so happy everyone liked it! Thank you for letting me know!
This is delicious! The instructions were so thorough and simple to follow. The cook time was spot on. My family of 5 ate every single grain of rice!!
This was amazing, the instructions were super easy to follow and cook times were spot on! My family ate every single grain of rice and it has been added to our regular rotation!