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This one pot chicken and rice is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy, spice-rubbed chicken thighs simmer with aromatic rice, tender carrots, and sweet peas, all in a rich, savory broth.
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Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love Making It
- One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup quick and easy.
- Beginner-Friendly – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make this great for novice cooks.
- Comforting & Hearty – A satisfying meal with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vegetables.
- Balanced & Nutritious – Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
- Customizable – Swap vegetables, adjust seasonings, or use a different protein like turkey or shrimp.
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs) – Stay juicy and flavorful during cooking.
- 1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika) – Adds a warm, slightly smoky depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon cumin – Adds a warm, earthy, slightly nutty taste.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses the chicken with a subtle garlicky flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps sear the chicken and cook the vegetables.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds a savory, slightly sweet depth.
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 ½ cups) – Provides sweetness, color, and texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Brings an aromatic, robust flavor.
- 1 cup parboiled white long-grain rice – Cooks evenly and absorbs all the rich flavors.
- ½ teaspoon oregano – Infuses the dish with subtle herbal notes.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth – Provides moisture and enhances the overall flavor.
- ⅓ cup frozen peas – Adds color and a slightly sweet freshness to the final dish.
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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix paprika, salt, cumin, and garlic powder. Place chicken thighs in a bowl and sprinkle half of the spice mix over them. Toss until evenly coated. Set aside the rest of the spice mix for later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large sauté pan or deep skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place half of the chicken thighs in the pan in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining chicken, adding another tablespoon of oil if needed. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked yet—it will finish cooking with the rice.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Reduce heat to medium and add diced onion and carrots to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and the carrots start to soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Toast the Rice & Add Broth
Stir in the parboiled rice and the remaining spice mix. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the rice with seasonings. Pour in chicken broth and add oregano. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits—these add extra flavor!
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken & Rice
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, ensuring they are partially submerged in the broth. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Add Peas & Finish Cooking
Scatter frozen peas over the top of the rice and chicken. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, until all the liquid is absorbed, the rice is tender, and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/75°C). Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving enhances the dish’s flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! However, chicken breasts tend to dry out faster. To prevent this, reduce the searing time to 2-3 minutes per side and check for doneness earlier.
What if I don’t have parboiled rice?
You can use regular long-grain white rice, but increase the broth amount to 2 cups and extend the cooking time by 5 minutes.
