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This One Dish Chicken and Rice Recipe is the perfect solution for a quick and easy dinner. With minimal ingredients and just one pot, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting, homemade meal without the hassle. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh vegetables creates a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This One Dish Chicken And Rice Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe is made in just one pot, so cleanup is a breeze! The steps are simple, making it great for beginners or when you’re short on time.
Minimal Ingredients: With just five ingredients, you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen. No need for fancy items—just pantry and fridge staples.
Deliciously Comforting: The tender chicken, fluffy rice, and perfectly cooked vegetables create a meal that’s warm, filling, and satisfying.
Versatile: This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite spices or vegetables. It can adapt to your preferences or what you have on hand.
Meal Prep Friendly: It reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic choice for leftovers or preparing meals in advance.

This chicken and rice recipe is a true one dish meal. Everything is cooked in one pot, and you don’t need a side dish! And less dishes to wash for you, the better :)

Ingredients For One Dish Chicken And Rice

Chicken Breast – Tender, lean protein that cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with rice.
White Rice – A versatile and fluffy base for this dish, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Carrot – Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color to the meal.
Onion – Provides depth and savory flavor when cooked.
Garlic Cloves – Infuses the dish with a fragrant, aromatic flavor.
Oil – Helps to sauté the chicken and vegetables to perfection.
Salt and Pepper – Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
Water – Used to cook the rice and bring the ingredients together.

For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Another great thing about this yummy chicken and rice recipe is that it requires just five ingredients. These ingredients are very common and are usually stocked in a pantry and refrigerator: chicken, rice, carrot, onion and garlic. These simple ingredients create a delicious chicken and rice dinner!

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make One Dish Chicken And Rice

Non-stick Heavy-Bottomed Pot – Ensures even cooking and prevents the rice from sticking.
Food Processor with Shredder Blade – Quickly shreds the carrot for even cooking.
Cutting Board – For safely cutting the chicken and vegetables.
Knife – Essential for chopping the onion and chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – Helps you measure the rice, water, and seasonings accurately.

How To Make One Dish Chicken And Rice

Cut the chicken breast into small, 1-inch pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.
Finely chop the onion and shred the carrot using a food processor or box grater.
Heat oil in a non-stick heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, onion, and carrot, and cook while stirring for about 5 minutes.
Stir in the white rice, making sure it is evenly combined with the chicken and vegetables.
Add water, whole garlic cloves, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to incorporate the flavors.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
After cooking, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish directly from the pot for a rustic, family-style presentation. Pair it with a side of Fresh Mixed Green Salad with Tomato and Onion for added crunch and freshness.
Add a dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside Homemade Garlic Bread with Mozzarella Cheese or Crispy Parmesan Garlic Bread Toast.
Pair with a simple Keto Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Soup for a wholesome, balanced dinner.
For a special touch, garnish with Shredded Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Tips For Success

Use the Right Pot: A heavy-bottomed, non-stick pot is ideal to prevent the rice from sticking and to ensure even cooking. Avoid thin-bottomed pots, as they can cause the rice to burn.
Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cutting the chicken into evenly sized 1-inch pieces helps it cook uniformly and prevents overcooking.
Rice Rinse: Rinse the rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring a fluffy texture.
Layer Flavors: Sautéing the onion, carrot, and chicken together infuses the base with rich, savory flavors. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
Proper Simmering: After adding water, bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately lower the heat. Keep the lid on to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
Fluff with Care: Use a fork to gently fluff the rice after cooking. Avoid over-mixing, as it can make the rice mushy.
Customize Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. For added flavor, consider incorporating a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of soy sauce.

Variations And Substitutions

Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs for a juicier texture. You can also use shrimp, diced pork, or even tofu for a different twist.
Grain Options: Replace white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or couscous. Keep in mind that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more water.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate more vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and color. Frozen vegetables can also be a convenient option.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor with dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or a bay leaf while simmering. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill make an excellent garnish.
Broth Instead of Water: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water to infuse the dish with extra savory depth.
Cheesy Variation: Stir in shredded cheese, like cheddar or Parmesan, after cooking for a creamy and cheesy one-pot meal.
Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth, omit the chicken, and substitute tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing: For longer storage, transfer the cooled dish to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label it with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating on Stovetop: Place the leftovers in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture, and stir gently until heated through.
Microwave Reheating: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Oven Reheating: Preheat the oven to 350°F, place the dish in an oven-safe container, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. Add a little broth or water to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

Yes, brown rice can be used, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the water to 2 1/2 cups and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can add vegetables like peas, bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini. If using frozen vegetables, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

What if I don’t have a food processor to shred the carrot?

You can use a box grater to shred the carrot manually. If neither is available, finely chopping the carrot works as well, though the texture may differ slightly.

Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, diced pork, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly, especially for seafood, which cooks quickly.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pot?

Using a heavy-bottomed, non-stick pot is key to preventing sticking. Also, ensure the heat is reduced to low when simmering, and avoid stirring the rice while it cooks.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any additional ingredients or seasonings used are certified gluten-free.

How can I make this dish more flavorful?

Using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water is a simple way to boost flavor. Adding a dash of soy sauce, fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lemon juice can also enhance the taste.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to serve more people. Just make sure your pot is large enough to hold all the ingredients and cook evenly.

Other Easy Chicken Recipes

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breast Slices – These juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breast slices cook quickly in the air fryer, making them an ideal choice for a healthy, flavorful meal.

Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches – Tender chicken, sautéed onions, peppers, and melted cheese come together in a soft roll for a delicious twist on the classic cheesesteak.

Crispy Honey Butter Chicken – Sweet, savory, and irresistibly crispy, this honey butter chicken is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Mason Jar Greek Salad with Chicken (Meal Prep) – This vibrant and refreshing Greek salad, layered with chicken, veggies, and feta, is perfect for grab-and-go lunches.

Oven-Baked Chicken Fajitas on a Sheet Pan – Loaded with seasoned chicken, colorful peppers, and onions, this easy sheet pan fajita recipe is a family favorite.

Low-Carb Chicken Stir Fry with Zucchini and Cauliflower Rice – Packed with tender chicken and fresh veggies, this stir fry is a quick, healthy, and keto-friendly dinner option.

Keto Chicken Thigh Rolls with Cheese Filling – These cheesy, protein-packed chicken thigh rolls are a delicious low-carb option for a satisfying meal.

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