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One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

4.9 from 50 reviews

A flavorful, comforting one-pot chicken and rice dish featuring tender chicken thighs seasoned with smoked paprika and mixed herbs, cooked together with basmati rice in a rich chicken stock for an easy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 ½ tsp mixed herbs (or Italian seasoning or herb de Provence)
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Main Ingredients

  • 1½ cups uncooked basmati rice
  • 6 chicken thighs
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion (any type)
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken stock
  • ½ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish, substitute with chives, parsley, or coriander)

Instructions

  1. Mix Spices: In a small mixing bowl, combine smoked paprika, mixed herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well mixed. Rinse basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear and set aside.
  2. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl, add the seasoning mix reserving about 1 teaspoon for later, and toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
  3. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or pot. Add the chicken thighs skin side down and sear for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set the chicken aside on a plate. If there is excess oil, blot some out with a paper towel.
  4. Sauté Onions and Toast Rice: In the same pot with the remaining oil, sauté the chopped onions until soft and translucent. Add the butter and stir until melted. Then add the rinsed rice and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  5. Add Stock and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken stock, add the reserved seasoning, and stir thoroughly to combine. Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze and prevent burning. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Add Chicken and Cook: Arrange the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice. Cover the pot with a lid and cook over low-medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender, fluffy, and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
  7. Serve: Once cooked, garnish the dish with chopped green onions. Cover again and let it rest for 3 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious one pot chicken and rice!

Notes

  • Use basmati rice for best texture; rinsing helps remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
  • Adjust seasoning according to taste before cooking; adding salt to the stock helps flavor the entire dish.
  • Searing the chicken locks in juices and adds flavor through the browned exterior.
  • Deglazing prevents rice from sticking and burning on the bottom of the pot.
  • Letting the dish rest after cooking allows flavors to meld and rice to finish steaming.
  • You can substitute green onions with chives, parsley, or coriander for garnish.

Keywords: one pot chicken and rice, chicken thighs recipe, easy chicken and rice, stovetop chicken and rice, smoked paprika chicken, basmati rice recipes