Name: One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into ½-inch cubes; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt, divided; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed; 1 (10-ounce) bag frozen peas and carrots; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 ½ cups water; Fresh parsley, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 36 reviews

If you’re searching for a meal that’s comforting, delicious, and simple to prepare, the One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish combines tender chicken morsels with fluffy, flavorful basmati rice and vibrant peas and carrots, all cooked together in one pot for maximum convenience and minimal cleanup. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich in savory herbs, with a subtle hint of soy sauce that brings it all together beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan with a thin black rim holds three layers of ingredients. The bottom layer is soft, light yellow diced onions spread evenly across the pan. On top of the onions is a pile of small, pale pink diced raw chicken pieces placed toward the center. Scattered on the chicken are green dried herbs and some white granules of salt or seasoning. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a key role in delivering a symphony of taste, texture, and color from start to finish.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a smooth base for sautéing and a subtle fruity flavor.
1 large onion (chopped): Provides sweetness and depth when softened.
2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses a fragrant aroma that wakes up the dish.
1 ½ pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into ½-inch cubes): Tender pieces that soak up all the seasoning and cook evenly.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings herbal brightness.
1 teaspoon salt (divided): Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and spice balance.
1 cup basmati rice (rinsed): Gives fluffy, separate grains that absorb flavors beautifully.
1 (10-ounce bag) frozen peas and carrots: Brings a pop of color and natural sweetness.
1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami richness and a subtle salty depth.
1 ½ cups water: Essential for cooking the rice perfectly.
Fresh parsley (for serving): A fresh, green garnish that brightens the dish visually and taste-wise.

How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Gently cook the chopped onions until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This creates a sweet, tender foundation. Then add the minced garlic, cooking it for just 30 seconds until fragrant—you don’t want it to burn, but that quick hit of aroma is essential.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Next, add the cubed chicken pieces to the pot. Sprinkle them with Italian seasoning, half a teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken cook until it’s nearly done, about 7 minutes. Stir occasionally so each piece browns just right and soaks up the herbal seasonings.

Step 3: Add Rice and Veggies

Now, toss the rinsed basmati rice into the pot with the chicken, cooking everything together for around 2 minutes. This helps the rice start absorbing those wonderful flavors. Then stir in the frozen peas and carrots, soy sauce, and the remaining half teaspoon of salt for that balanced seasoning.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Pour in 1 ½ cups of water and stir gently to combine all ingredients. Bring the pot to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, letting the rice gently simmer for about 15 minutes. This slow cook allows the rice to become fluffy and fully absorb the savory liquid. After turning off the heat, keep the lid on and allow the steam to finish cooking the rice for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Finally, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and mix in any remaining flavors. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a lively, herbaceous finish, and your warm, comforting One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is ready to delight.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

A white bowl holds a mix of fluffy white rice layered with small colorful pieces of orange carrot strips and bright green peas, along with tender, light brown chicken chunks scattered evenly. Fresh chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh touch. A shiny silver fork with a piece of chicken, rice, one green pea, and carrot is lifted above the bowl by a woman's hand. The bowl sits on a soft pink cloth, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh parsley is a simple yet effective way to brighten this dish visually and flavor-wise. You can also sprinkle a little lemon zest or finely chopped green onions for an extra burst of freshness. These small touches transform the dish from everyday to special in seconds.

Side Dishes

This One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables creates a well-rounded meal. A side of warm, crusty bread also complements the dish perfectly, letting you soak up every bit of savory goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, try serving this dish in individual bowls topped with a drizzle of tangy yogurt or a dollop of spicy harissa sauce. You can also pack it for lunch in a beautiful bento box, adding some sliced cucumber and cherry tomatoes for color and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible to maintain freshness. When thawed, the rice might be a touch softer, but still delicious.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water to revive the rice’s moisture and cover the dish to steam it evenly. Stir midway through reheating for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Absolutely! While basmati rice is ideal for its fluffy texture and aroma, long-grain white rice or jasmine rice can also work well. Just adjust cooking times slightly depending on the variety.

Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great option and tend to be juicier. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure they’re thoroughly cooked.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of water for a flavorful vegetarian version of this one pot wonder.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No worries. Simply mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme to mimic the flavor. Fresh herbs can also be used if available, just add them towards the end of cooking for maximum freshness.

How do I know when the rice is perfectly cooked?

The rice should absorb all the liquid and be tender but not mushy. After simmering covered, let it rest with the lid on to finish steaming; this step helps achieve that ideal fluffy texture.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is the perfect dish to add to your rotation when you want something easy, wholesome, and incredibly tasty. It’s comforting, colorful, and packed with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight meal that feels like a home-cooked hug every time.