Go Back

One Pot Chicken and Rice

This easy one-pot chicken and rice recipe is the ultimate comfort food. With tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken, fluffy rice, and sweet seasoned carrots, this dish combines the creamy texture of risotto with the ease of a simple stovetop dinner. Perfect for weeknights or cozy family meals, it’s a wholesome and satisfying option!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 508kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 –6 tablespoons butter or vegan butter divided
  • 1 heaping cup shredded or chopped carrots
  • Homemade seasoned salt and pepper see notes
  • 2 scant cups long-grain white rice Lundberg White Jasmine Rice recommended
  • 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
  • 8 cups chicken stock
  • 2 chicken breasts ~1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces

Instructions

Sauté the Carrots:

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

Toast the Rice:

  • Stir in the rice, dried minced onion, and dried minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the rice to absorb the butter.
  • Mix in the dried parsley flakes.

Add Stock and Simmer:

  • Pour in the chicken stock and stir well.
  • Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Simmer the Rice:

  • Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Add the Chicken:

  • Season the chicken pieces with seasoned salt and pepper, then add them to the pot.
  • Raise the heat slightly to bring the mixture back to a simmer, then reduce to medium-low and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.

Finish the Dish:

  • Stir in the remaining 2–4 tablespoons of butter for extra richness.
  • Adjust the seasoning with more seasoned salt and pepper, if needed.
  • Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to thicken and cool slightly.

Serve:

  • Spoon into bowls and enjoy warm.

Notes

Best Rice Options: Use high-quality long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for the perfect texture. Avoid quick-cooking rice to prevent mushiness.
Chicken Tips: Cutting the chicken into small pieces ensures it cooks evenly with the rice.
Thickening: As the dish cools, it will naturally thicken. Serve warm for the best consistency and flavor.
Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.