Easy Rice with Chicken – A One-Pot Weeknight Dinner Winner

Looking for a wholesome, one-pot meal that’s simple to prepare and bursting with flavor? This Rice with Chicken is a cozy, satisfying dish that delivers both comfort and balance. With tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice, it’s the kind of meal you’ll turn to again and again—whether you’re feeding the family or prepping meals for the week.

Made with smart, lighter ingredients, this version keeps all the flavor of the traditional dish while offering a more mindful way to enjoy it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup and fewer dishes—everything cooks together beautifully.
Full of Flavor: Garlic, herbs, and broth infuse the rice and chicken with delicious depth.
Balanced & Satisfying: Lean protein, wholesome grains, and veggies in every bite.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Makes great leftovers and reheats well.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup long-grain brown rice (or white rice, if preferred)
• 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup frozen peas (added at the end)
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces, season with a little salt and pepper, and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

1. In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot.
2. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Add Rice and Seasonings:

1. Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, thyme, and remaining salt and pepper.
2. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the rice slightly.

Simmer:

1. Pour in the chicken broth and return the browned chicken to the pan.
2. Stir to combine, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
3. Cover and simmer for about 30–35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. (Add a splash more broth if needed.)

Finish with Peas:

1. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
2. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Serve:

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 310
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

• Use Brown Rice for Extra Fiber: It takes a little longer to cook but adds more nutrition.
• Season to Taste: Don’t be shy with herbs and spices—you can also add a bay leaf or a pinch of turmeric for variety.
• Customize Your Veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach are excellent additions depending on what you have on hand.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking improves texture and flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish brings together all the elements of a comforting meal—protein, whole grains, and vegetables—in one pot, with minimal effort. The seasonings add warmth and complexity, while the chicken stays tender and juicy. It’s versatile, reheats like a dream, and can be tailored to suit a variety of dietary preferences.

Whether you’re craving something hearty yet balanced, or just need a go-to recipe that everyone at the table will enjoy, this Rice with Chicken hits the mark. It’s nourishing, flavorful, and comes together with pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Serve it fresh, store the leftovers, and enjoy comfort in every bite—no fuss, just real food that makes you feel good.