Quick One Pot Chicken and Rice
A comforting and easy one-pot meal combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces adds protein and structure
- 1 tbsp olive oil provides moisture and helps with browning
- 1 tsp kosher salt enhances flavor
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper adds mild heat and depth
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika provides earthy warmth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning offers a blend of herbs for flavor
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter adds richness
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced contributes sweetness and texture
- 1.5 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans, and corn) adds color and nutrition
- 3 cloves garlic, minced offers a robust aroma and flavor
- 1.5 cups long grain or basmati rice, rinsed until water runs clear ensures fluffiness
- 2 cups chicken stock adds depth and moisture
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped provides freshness
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese adds flavor and creaminess
Instructions
Preparation
- Place a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until the edges are lightly golden, about 1–2 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, cooking for another minute. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pot by adding the rinsed rice and chicken stock, stirring to scrape up any flavorful bits.
- Return the chicken and any juices back to the pot and stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
Cooking
- Once boiling, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for another 10 minutes with the lid on.
- Uncover and fluff the rice with a fork. Fold in parsley and grated Parmesan. Serve warm.
Notes
For added flavor, consider swapping the Italian seasoning for taco seasoning or adding a splash of lemon juice. Keep lid sealed during cooking and resting to maintain steam.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
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