We all lead busy lives, and as much as we may love cooking, there’s no denying the fact that it can be super time-consuming and messy. But what if we told you that you can cook up a delicious and wholesome meal that requires very little prep time and even less clean-up? Enter one-pot chicken and rice recipes – aka the ultimate hack for busy weeknights when you want to rustle up something quick, easy and comforting. In this article, we’ll take you through some of the best one-pot chicken and rice recipes out there that are sure to hit the spot without requiring you to spend hours in the kitchen.
Why One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipes are a Lifesaver
Let’s face it; cooking can sometimes feel like a chore, especially on busy weeknights when you’re tired from work or errands. The last thing you want to do is spend over an hour in the kitchen cooking dinner, only to spend another hour cleaning up the mess when you’re done. This is where one-pot chicken and rice recipes come in handy. They allow you to cook up a complete meal in one pot with minimal fuss, meaning you’ll spend less time prepping and cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.
One-pot chicken and rice recipes are typically low maintenance and are perfect for beginners who are just starting their cooking journey. The recipes usually call for simple ingredients that are easy to find at the grocery store, and the cooking process is straightforward. All you need is a pot or a Dutch oven and some basic cooking skills, such as how to sauté chicken and rice, and you’ll have dinner ready in under an hour.
Another perk of one-pot chicken and rice recipes is that they’re easy to customize. You can switch up the meat and veggies, substitute the rice with quinoa or couscous, and add your favorite herbs or spices to create a meal that’s flavorful and unique to your liking.
In summary, one-pot chicken and rice recipes are a lifesaver for busy individuals who want to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re beginner-friendly, easy to customize, and require minimal clean-up, making them the perfect weekday dinner solution.
One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipes to Try
1. Chicken and Rice Skillet
The chicken and rice skillet is a classic one-pot recipe that’s simple, comforting, and can be customized to your liking. To make this recipe, you’ll need boneless chicken, rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, onions, and a mix of vegetables of your choice, such as peas, carrots, and corn. The ingredients are sautéed together in a skillet, then baked in the oven until the rice is cooked through and the chicken is tender. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or as a quick dinner option when you’re in a hurry.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, stirring frequently, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Cover and transfer to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until rice is cooked through and chicken is tender.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped scallions, if desired.
2. Creamy Chicken and Rice
This creamy chicken and rice dish is perfect for when you’re in the mood for something rich and comforting. You’ll need chicken breasts, long-grain rice, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, and shredded cheese. The ingredients are cooked together in a pot until the rice is tender, and the creamy sauce is absorbed. This dish is a great option for a family dinner or when you want something that’s easy to reheat the next day.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until browned.
- Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Add rice, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and garlic powder to the pot, and stir to combine.
- Place the chicken back in the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice
This one-pot Spanish chicken and rice recipe is a great option when you’re in the mood for something that’s packed with flavor and is easy to make. You’ll need chicken thighs, chorizo sausage, rice, chicken broth, canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, peas, and diced peppers for this recipe. The ingredients are cooked together in a Dutch oven until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. This dish is perfect for a dinner party or when you want something that’s easy to make and impressive to serve.
Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in chicken thighs
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup canned tomatoes with juice, diced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 links of chorizo sausage, sliced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Add the chorizo sausage, onion, and red pepper to the pot, and cook for 5 minutes or until the veggies are softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, canned tomatoes, and white wine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the chicken back to the pot and cover with a lid.
- Transfer the Dutch oven to the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the chicken is tender.
- Remove from the oven and stir in the frozen peas. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
4. One-Pot Chicken and Broccoli Rice
This one-pot chicken and broccoli rice recipe is a great option when you’re looking for something healthy and wholesome but still packed with flavor. You’ll need chicken breasts, white rice, chicken broth, broccoli florets, and a mix of spices such as onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. The ingredients are sauteed together in a pot, then covered and left to simmer until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and is great for
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