One Pot Chicken and Rice

If there’s one recipe that saves my sanity on busy weeknights, it’s One Pot Chicken and Rice. You know the kind of day—work ran late, everyone’s hungry now, and the idea of washing five pans makes you want to order takeout. This is the meal that gently taps you on the shoulder and says, “Relax, I’ve got this.”

Warm, buttery, and deeply comforting, this One Pot Chicken and Rice is simple, filling, and made with pantry staples you probably already have. It’s cozy without being heavy, flavorful without being fussy, and best of all… it all happens in one pot. Less mess. More comfort. That’s my kind of dinner.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken and Rice

Let me count the ways—because this recipe earns its keep in a busy household.

• One pot = fewer dishes. And honestly, that alone deserves applause.
• Budget-friendly ingredients. Rice, chicken, carrots—nothing fancy, just dependable.
• Comfort food energy. But not the “I-need-a-nap-after” kind.
• Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly. Mild, cozy flavors that everyone loves.
• Flexible. Add more butter, less butter, extra seasoning—this recipe forgives you.

This is the kind of meal that feels like a soft blanket after a long day. The rice gets tender and flavorful, the chicken stays juicy, and the whole pot smells like home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this comforting One Pot Chicken and Rice:

• Butter or vegan butter (4–6 tablespoons, divided) – Because butter equals flavor and comfort.
• Shredded or chopped carrots (1 heaping cup) – Adds sweetness and color.
• Seasoned salt & black pepper, to taste – Simple but powerful.
• Long grain white rice (2 scant cups) – Jasmine rice works beautifully here.
• Dried minced onion (1 tablespoon)
• Dried minced garlic (1 teaspoon)
• Dried parsley flakes (2 tablespoons)
• Chicken stock (8 cups) – Homemade or store-bought both work.
• Chicken breasts (~1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces) – Small pieces cook evenly and stay tender.

That’s it. No hard-to-pronounce ingredients. No running to three different stores.

Step-by-Step: How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice

This recipe is straightforward and forgiving. Take a deep breath—we’re doing this together.

1. Start with the veggies

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the carrots and season with seasoned salt and pepper. Pop a lid on and let them cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring now and then, until tender. This step builds the flavor base.

2. Toast the rice (don’t skip this!)

Add the rice, dried onion, and dried garlic straight into the pot. Stir well so the rice gets coated in that buttery goodness. Let it sauté for about 1 minute. This tiny step makes a big difference in flavor.

3. Add the liquid and herbs

Sprinkle in the dried parsley, then pour in the chicken stock. Turn the heat up to high and bring everything to a boil, stirring occasionally so the rice doesn’t stick.

4. Simmer and let the magic happen

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the chicken

Season the chicken pieces with seasoned salt and pepper, then gently add them to the pot. If needed, bump the heat up slightly to bring it back to a simmer, then lower it again.

Continue simmering for 7–10 minutes, stirring more often toward the end. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender but not mushy.

6. Finish with butter (because yes)

Stir in the remaining 2–4 tablespoons of butter—as much or as little as your heart desires. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Let the pot sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it thicken and cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue (learned that the hard way).

Helpful Tips for the Best One Pot Chicken and Rice

• Cut the chicken small. Bite-sized pieces cook faster and stay juicy. Big chunks = uneven cooking.
• Stir near the end. Rice likes to settle, so give it extra love as it finishes cooking.
• Too thick? Add a splash of warm stock. Too thin? Let it sit a few more minutes.
• Butter is adjustable. Some days call for restraint. Other days call for comfort. You decide.

And if it looks a little thicker the next day? Congratulations—you’ve got amazing leftovers.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This One Pot Chicken and Rice became a staple during one of those weeks where everything felt loud and rushed. I needed dinner to cook itself while I helped with homework and answered emails. I remember lifting the lid, smelling that buttery rice, and thinking, “Okay… tonight’s going to be fine.”

That’s what I love about simple recipes like this. They don’t just feed your body—they calm your evening.

FAQs About One Pot Chicken and Rice

One Last Spoonful Before You Go

This One Pot Chicken and Rice is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—on tired Tuesdays, chilly evenings, and nights when you just need something comforting without thinking too hard. It’s simple, cozy, and dependable, just like the best home-cooked meals should be.

So grab your biggest pot, let the rice simmer, and enjoy a dinner that feels like a warm hug—no extra dishes required.

Keep the Cozy Cooking Going

If this One Pot Chicken and Rice made dinner feel a little easier (and a lot cozier), here are a few more comforting favorites you might want to try next. Each one keeps that same warm, low-effort, family-friendly vibe—perfect for busy days when you still want a homemade meal on the table:

• Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice – A true set-it-and-forget-it classic with the same comforting flavors, ideal for hectic weeknights.
• Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice – Creamy, cheesy, and always a crowd-pleaser—this one disappears fast.
• Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – Cozy, hearty, and spoon-worthy, especially when you’re craving extra comfort.
• Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice – Fresh, flavorful, and wonderfully easy for nights when you want something different without extra work.

Tried this recipe? I’d love to know how it turned out for you!
Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and a quick review below—your feedback helps other home cooks and truly makes my day.

One Pot Chicken and Rice

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• Author: Mounia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This One Pot Chicken and Rice is a cozy, comforting dinner made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and simple pantry ingredients—all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–6 tablespoons butter or vegan butter, divided

• 1 heaping cup carrots, shredded or chopped

• Seasoned salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 2 scant cups long-grain white rice (Jasmine recommended)

• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion

• 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic

• 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes

• 8 cups chicken stock

• 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces

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Instructions

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the carrots and season with seasoned salt and pepper. Cover and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.

2. Add the rice, dried onion, and dried garlic. Stir to coat the rice in butter and sauté for 1 minute.

3. Stir in the dried parsley and chicken stock. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Season the chicken with seasoned salt and pepper, then add it to the pot. Increase heat slightly if needed to return to a simmer.

6. Continue simmering on medium-low for 7–10 minutes, stirring more frequently near the end, until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.

7. Stir in the remaining butter (as much as you like). Adjust seasoning if needed.

8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to thicken slightly.

Notes

Cut the chicken into small, even pieces so it cooks evenly.

For a creamier texture, add an extra tablespoon of butter at the end.

Leftovers thicken as they sit—add a splash of broth when reheating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: One Pot / Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg