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There’s something magical about a one-pot meal—especially when it’s as hearty and flavorful as this One Pot Chicken and Rice! Juicy, golden-crisp chicken thighs sit atop fluffy, seasoned rice, soaking up all the delicious flavors of garlic, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers as it simmers to perfection.
It’s simple, comforting, and packed with bold flavors, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup. Plus, everything comes together in just one pan, so you can spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a cozy, home-cooked meal.
🍗 What You’ll Need
👉 For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
👉 For the Rice:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow for sweetness!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a kick!)
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
🍳 How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice
1️⃣ Season the chicken – Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2️⃣ Sear to golden perfection – Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken skin-side down for 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes, then remove and set aside (it will finish cooking later!).
3️⃣ Sauté the veggies – In the same skillet, melt butter and add onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4️⃣ Toast the rice – Stir in the uncooked rice, letting it toast for about a minute to soak up all those flavors.
5️⃣ Add the liquids & seasonings – Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, and seasonings (Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes if using). Stir to combine.
6️⃣ Nestle the chicken back in – Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice, skin-side up. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
7️⃣ Finish & serve – Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
✨ Easy Variations & Tips
🍗 Prefer boneless chicken? Use boneless, skinless thighs or breasts—just reduce cooking time slightly!
🧄 Love extra flavor? Add a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions for extra depth.
🌿 Herb Boost! Swap parsley for fresh cilantro or basil for a different twist.
🔥 Want a spicy kick? Toss in a little extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne!
🍚 Can I use brown rice? Yes! But you’ll need to add ½ cup extra broth and increase the simmering time by 10-15 minutes.
💡 What to Serve with It?
- A simple side salad for a fresh contrast
- Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for extra veggies
- Crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce
This One Pot Chicken and Rice is everything a perfect dinner should be—easy, flavorful, and made in just one pan! The crispy, juicy chicken, the seasoned rice soaked with all those delicious flavors, and the fresh pop of lemon and herbs make every bite next-level good.
