One Pot Chicken and Rice

This One Pot Chicken and Rice is a rich, comforting dish featuring tender chicken, buttery garlic rice, and a savory Parmesan finish. It’s the perfect weeknight meal—simple to make, full of flavor, and only one pan to clean. Whether you’re craving something cozy or feeding a family fast, this recipe is a go-to winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings everything you want in a weeknight dinner: it’s quick, affordable, and packed with flavor. The chicken cooks up tender and golden while the rice absorbs every bit of garlic, butter, and broth. A final sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of reserved pan sauce give it that restaurant-worthy finish. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet—less mess, more satisfaction.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken:

• chicken tenders

• salt and pepper

• garlic powder

• olive oil

Saucy Rice:

• butter

• minced garlic

• red pepper flakes

• salt

• low-sodium chicken broth

• white rice (uncooked)

• chicken broth (for cooking rice)

• Parmesan cheese, grated or shredded

Directions

Cook the Chicken:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Season chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Sauté until browned and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Saucy Rice:
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Increase heat to medium-high and pour in ½ cup chicken broth. Stir and simmer for 3–4 minutes to build flavor.
6. Remove 3 tablespoons of the pan sauce and set aside for drizzling later.
7. Stir in uncooked rice, coating it with the butter mixture. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth.
8. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender.

Final Assembly:
9. Nestle the cooked chicken tenders on top of the rice. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
10. Cover, remove from heat, and let sit for 5 minutes.
11. Before serving, drizzle reserved sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese before adding the Parmesan.

• Veggie boost: Add spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli to the rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

• Cheese swap: Try mozzarella or a sharp cheddar in place of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.

• Rice options: Use jasmine or basmati rice for a more aromatic twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the rice.
This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the rice may change slightly after thawing and reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work great—just cook a bit longer until fully done.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your chicken broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can skip the Parmesan and use olive oil instead of butter, though it will change the flavor.

What type of rice works best?

Standard white long-grain rice is ideal. Avoid quick-cooking rice as it may overcook.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—try stirring in peas, spinach, or small broccoli florets near the end of cooking.

Will the rice stick to the skillet?

Stir occasionally and keep the heat at a gentle simmer to prevent sticking. A nonstick or enameled pan helps.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, add cooked chicken during the final 5 minutes just to warm through.

How do I keep the chicken moist?

Avoid overcooking the tenders and let them rest briefly after sautéing before returning them to the skillet.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your skillet is large enough and adjust cooking time slightly.

Can I use water instead of broth?

You can, but the flavor will be milder. Consider adding extra garlic or seasoning.

Conclusion

One Pot Chicken and Rice is the perfect mix of comfort, ease, and flavor. With buttery garlic rice, golden chicken, and a hint of Parmesan, this satisfying dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. And with only one pot to clean, dinner doesn’t get much easier.