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One Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice

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One Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice is a flavorful, comforting meal made with juicy chicken thighs and perfectly seasoned rice cooked together in a single pan. It’s easy to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights, and delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (e.g., jasmine or basmati)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup diced carrots (optional)
  • 1/2 cup peas or green beans (optional)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
  2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened, about 2–3 minutes.
  4. Add the rice and stir to coat with the oil and seasonings.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits. Add diced carrots and other optional vegetables.
  6. Place chicken thighs back into the pan on top of the rice. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temperature).
  7. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking.Substitute white rice with brown rice, increasing broth and cooking time.Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a bit of heat.Try mixing in mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition.Squeeze lemon juice over the dish before serving for brightness.

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