Hey, you know those meals that just feel like right at home?

That smell that hits the kitchen and makes everyone peek around the corner, asking, “Is dinner ready yet?” Yep.

This rice and chicken recipe is that kind of meal, and we’re making it today.

It’s cozy, satisfying, and crazy simple to make. Trust me, you’re gonna love it. But,

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All in one pot = less cleanup.

• Tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice in every bite.

• No complicated steps or fancy ingredients.

• Works for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

• Pure comfort food that never gets old.

Ingredients List

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless), cut into chunks

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color and depth)

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (rinsed)

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

• 1/2 cup chopped carrots (optional)

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparation Tips

• Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. It helps keep the grains from getting mushy.

• Cut the chicken into even chunks so it all cooks the same.

• Use a good non-stick or heavy-bottomed pot to avoid sticking.

• Chicken broth adds more flavor than water—always go with broth.

• Let the rice rest after cooking to soak up every bit of flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add to the pot and sear until browned on all sides (about 5-6 minutes). Remove and set aside.

Step 3: In the same pot, add diced onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.

Step 4: Stir in garlic, paprika, oregano, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Add the rice. Stir well to coat it in the seasonings and oil.

Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth. Stir and bring it to a gentle boil.

Step 7: Return the chicken to the pot. Add peas and carrots if using.

Step 8: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 18-20 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Step 9: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 10: Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Rice and Chicken

• Don’t skip the resting step—it makes the texture perfect.

• Want crispy chicken bits? Seal them really well at the start.

• A splash of lemon juice before serving brightens the whole dish.

• Add a small knob of butter at the end for a silky finish.

• Got leftovers? Turn them into burritos or fried rice the next day.

How to Best Serve Rice and Chicken

• With a simple green salad

• Alongside roasted veggies

• Topped with avocado slices or salsa

• With warm flatbread or pita on the side

• With a fried egg on top (so good!)

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

• Using too much liquid: Stick to the 2:1 ratio for rice.

• Opening the lid too often: Let it steam and cook undisturbed.

• Skipping the rice rinse can make your dish gummy.

• Not seasoning the chicken: Flavor starts from the beginning.

• Cooking on high heat: Keep it low for fluffy rice and tender chicken.

Best Side Dishes for Rice and Chicken

• Cucumber yogurt salad

• Grilled corn on the cob

• Roasted sweet potatoes

• Sautéed green beans

• Fresh fruit salad for a light finish

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight.

• Reheat: Add a splash of broth or water and reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm.

FAQs

Q: Can I use brown rice?

A: Yes, but you’ll need to cook it longer and add more broth.

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

A: Absolutely! Just don’t overcook it so it stays juicy.

Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

A: Yep! Sauté everything first, then cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a natural release.

Q: Can I add other veggies?

A: Go for it! Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach all work.

Q: Is it spicy?

A: Not at all. But you can add chili flakes if you like heat.

Q: What if my rice is still hard?

A: Add a bit more broth, cover again, and cook for another 5 minutes on low.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?

A: Yes—there’s no dairy in the base recipe!

Conclusion

And there you have it—a rice and chicken dinner that hits all the right notes.

Warm, flavorful, and made with love. If you try it, come back and let me know!

I’d love to hear your version or how you made it your own.

You Might Also Want To Try

• Honey Sesame Chicken
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta
• BBQ Chicken Breast

⤵⤵⤵

Continue to Content

Rice And Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

A cozy one-pot meal with juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and just the right touch of spice.

Print

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb chicken, cubed
• Salt & pepper
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp turmeric (optional)
• 1.5 cups white rice, rinsed
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup peas (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots (optional)
• Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Heat oil, brown chicken. Remove.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, and spices.
3. Stir in rice.
4. Add broth.
5. Return chicken, add veggies.
6. Simmer 18-20 min covered.
7. Rest 5 min.
8. Fluff, garnish, serve.

Notes

• Rinse rice to avoid clumps.
• Let it rest to finish cooking evenly.
• Great for meal prep or leftovers.
• Easily customizable with veggies or spices.

Nutrition Information

Yield 4-6
Amount Per Serving Calories ~350 per serving

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