One Pot Chicken and Rice is the kind of meal you make when you want comfort without the chaos—warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying after a long day. It’s filling, family-friendly, and made with simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand. I’ve leaned on this recipe more times than I can count, especially on busy weeknights when everyone’s hungry now. The best part? You can make it work just as easily on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot. Give it one try, and it might just become your new go-to dinner.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken and Rice
This is one of those meals that just fits real life. Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes and less stress when the day already feels long. The texture is creamy and cozy, like risotto, but without standing at the stove stirring forever. I love that it uses simple, affordable ingredients and still feels special enough to serve to family or guests. Whether you cook it on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker, it’s flexible, forgiving, and perfect for busy weeknights or easy meal prep.
What Kind of Ingredients Should I Use?
When it comes to ingredients, this recipe keeps things simple and flexible. Chicken breast, thighs, or tenders all work well as long as they’re cut into bite-size pieces, which helps them cook evenly and stay tender—fresh is ideal, but thawed frozen chicken is fine too. For the rice, jasmine gives the creamiest texture, though long-grain white rice works just as well if that’s what you have; just avoid quick-cooking or short-grain rice since it can turn mushy.
Carrots add gentle sweetness, onion melts right into the dish, and garlic can be fresh or minced depending on how bold you like the flavor. Finish it off with low-sodium chicken broth or stock—stock adds more depth, while low-sodium lets you control the seasoning and keep everything balanced.
Options for Substitutions
This recipe is very forgiving, which is why I come back to it so often. Leftover or rotisserie chicken works great—just stir it in near the end to warm through. You can skip the cheese for a dairy-free version, or add extra veggies like peas, spinach, or zucchini. If you’re out of butter, olive oil alone is fine. Think of this recipe as a framework, not a rulebook—use what you have and make it your own.
Ingredients for One Pot Chicken and Rice
- Chicken
This is the heart of the dish. It adds protein and makes the meal filling while staying tender and easy to eat. - Rice
Rice soaks up all the flavor and gives the dish that creamy, cozy texture. It’s what turns simple ingredients into real comfort food. - Carrots
Carrots add gentle sweetness and color. I love how they soften and blend right into the rice. - Onion
Onion builds the base flavor. It almost disappears as it cooks, but the taste stays. - Garlic
Garlic adds warmth and depth. Fresh or minced both work, depending on how bold you want the flavor. - Chicken Broth or Stock
This is where most of the flavor comes from. Stock adds richness, while low-sodium keeps things balanced. - Butter
Butter makes everything taste richer and smoother. A little goes a long way here. - Olive Oil
Olive oil helps sauté the veggies without burning. It also adds a light, clean flavor. - Salt
Salt brings all the flavors together. Start light and adjust at the end. - Black Pepper
Pepper adds a gentle kick. It keeps the dish from tasting flat. - Parmesan Cheese (Optional)
Parmesan makes the rice extra creamy and savory. I add it when I want comfort turned up. - Fresh Parsley (Optional)
Parsley adds a fresh finish and bright color. It helps balance the richness. - Optional Seasoning Upgrades
A pinch of paprika, Italian seasoning, or garlic powder can change the vibe. This is where you can make it your own.
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-size pieces so it cooks fast and evenly. Chop or shred the carrots, dice the onion, and get the garlic ready. Measure the rice and liquid ahead of time—this makes cooking feel calm instead of rushed.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat butter and olive oil in your pot until warm and glossy. Add the onion and carrots, then stir and let them soften for a few minutes. This step builds flavor, like laying the foundation of a house, so don’t skip it.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Seasonings
Add the chicken to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Stir it around so it picks up all that buttery flavor. You don’t need to cook it all the way here—just let it turn opaque.
Step 4: Add Rice and Liquid
Stir in the rice, then pour in the broth or stock. Give everything one good stir so the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom. This is where the magic starts.
Step 5: Cook Until Creamy
Let the pot simmer on the stovetop, or seal and pressure cook if using an Instant Pot. The rice slowly absorbs the liquid and turns creamy without any heavy cream. It should look thick and cozy, not dry.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes—this helps it thicken just right. Stir in Parmesan if using, then finish with fresh parsley. Scoop it up while it’s warm and creamy, and enjoy the comfort you just made.
How Long to Cook One Pot Chicken and Rice
On the stovetop, this dish usually takes about 20–25 minutes of active cooking once everything is in the pot. If you’re using an Instant Pot, the pressure-cooking time is short—about 10 minutes on high—plus a few minutes to come to pressure. No matter the method, always let the rice rest for 5 minutes at the end. That short pause helps everything settle and turn creamy instead of soupy.
Tips for Perfect One Pot Chicken and Rice
To avoid mushy rice, stick with jasmine or long-grain white rice and measure the liquid carefully. Creaminess comes from slow absorption, not heavy cream, so let the rice do its thing. A wide, heavy pot or a 6-quart pressure cooker works best and cooks evenly. Taste at the end and adjust salt slowly—it’s easier to add than fix.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
Using the wrong rice is the fastest way to ruin this dish, so skip quick or short-grain types. Don’t rush the chicken—adding it too early can dry it out, too late leaves it undercooked. Skipping the sauté step means less flavor, plain and simple. And always rest the dish before serving, especially if your broth already has salt.
What to Serve With One Pot Chicken and Rice
Side Dish Ideas
- Simple Green Salad
A crisp salad adds freshness and keeps the meal feeling light. I love the contrast with the creamy rice. - Roasted Vegetables
Roasted veggies bring a little crunch and deep flavor. They pair perfectly with the soft, cozy texture of the dish. - Steamed Broccoli
Broccoli keeps things simple and healthy. It soaks up the sauce really well. - Garlic Bread
Warm garlic bread is great for scooping up every last bite. It turns dinner into real comfort food. - Dinner Rolls
Soft rolls make the meal feel extra homey. Kids always reach for these first. - Sautéed Green Beans
Green beans add a fresh snap and a clean finish. A quick sauté is all they need. - Cucumber Salad
Cool cucumber salad balances the richness. It’s refreshing and light, especially on warm days.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This One Pot Chicken and Rice keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, though the rice may soften a bit after thawing. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water. That little bit of liquid brings the creaminess right back to life.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~30g
- Fat: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sodium: ~650mg
Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients, portion size, and cooking method. For exact numbers, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
FAQs for One Pot Chicken and Rice
Can I make One Pot Chicken and Rice in an Instant Pot?
Yes, this recipe works great in an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, then let it rest briefly so the rice turns creamy and tender.
Why is my rice mushy or dry?
Mushy rice usually means too much liquid or the wrong rice. Dry rice means not enough liquid or heat that’s too high. Measure carefully and use jasmine or long-grain rice.
Can I make this recipe without cheese?
Absolutely. One Pot Chicken and Rice is still creamy without cheese because the rice releases starch as it cooks. Cheese is optional, not required.
Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, leftover or rotisserie chicken works well. Add it near the end so it warms through without drying out or overcooking.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze One Pot Chicken and Rice for up to two months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
Conclusion
One Pot Chicken and Rice is the kind of meal you keep coming back to because it always works. It’s cozy, filling, and flexible enough to fit busy nights, picky eaters, and whatever ingredients you have on hand. I love that you can make it your own every time, yet it still feels like comfort in a bowl. Try it once, tweak it to your taste, and let it become part of your weekly rhythm—we’ll be right here when you’re ready to cook again.
If you love easy chicken dinners, you’ll also enjoy these comforting recipes:
One Pot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and set aside. Chop the carrots, onion, and garlic, then measure the rice and broth.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until melted and glossy.
- Add the onion and carrots, then sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add the chicken, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook until the chicken turns opaque.
- Stir in the rice, then pour in the chicken broth or stock. Mix once to prevent sticking.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and creamy.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley if using. Serve warm.
