One Pot Chicken And Rice With Garlic

Name: One Pot Chicken And Rice With Garlic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup long-grain rice; 4 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tsp dried thyme

Highlighted under: Homestyle Comfort

I absolutely love making one-pot meals, especially when they’re as comforting as this Chicken and Rice with Garlic. This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights! The fragrant garlic adds a depth of flavor, while the tender chicken pairs perfectly with the fluffy rice, making it a wholesome meal that comes together effortlessly. With everything cooked in a single pot, cleanup is a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy the delicious result with your family or friends.

Created by

Imogen Price

Last updated on 2026-02-02T01:01:35.969Z

When I first made this One Pot Chicken and Rice, I was surprised by how all the flavors melded together beautifully. The garlic infuses the chicken and rice with a rich and savory taste, which means every bite is bursting with flavor. I also discovered that letting the dish rest for a few minutes before serving allows the rice to absorb even more deliciousness from the broth.

As someone who appreciates a quick and easy clean-up, this one-pot method really won me over. Not only was the dinner delightful, but I also loved knowing I had only one pot to wash afterward. It’s a win-win recipe that I keep coming back to!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Juicy chicken infused with aromatic garlic
Easy cleanup with just one pot to wash
Rich and hearty flavor that satisfies the whole family

Mastering One-Pot Techniques

The beauty of one-pot meals lies in their technique. By layering flavors, you can create a rich and complex dish without the fuss. Starting with aromatics like onion and garlic not only builds a flavor base but also enhances the chicken's juiciness. Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the onions; this way, they sauté to a golden color, releasing their natural sweetness to intertwine with the garlic. This initial step is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire dish.

When browning the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pot. If necessary, do it in batches to ensure that the chicken gets a nice sear, which locks in moisture and adds depth to the flavor. Look for a golden-brown color on the outside; this is indicative of good caramelization. If the chicken sticks, it might be an indication that it’s not ready to flip yet, so have patience.

Crafting the Perfect Rice

Rice is often the star of one-pot meals, and getting it right can elevate your Chicken and Rice. Using long-grain rice here works beautifully, as it cooks evenly and stays fluffy. Incorporating the rice after browning the chicken allows it to absorb all the delicious drippings from the meat and seasonings. Stir it gently to coat each grain with the flavors without breaking them—this technique ensures a pleasing texture in your final dish.

The chicken broth is vital for infusing flavor not just into the rice but also into the chicken. A low-sodium broth can be beneficial if you're watching your salt intake; just adjust your seasoning accordingly. Once you add the broth, bring it to a simmer and cover the pot tightly. This helps trap the steam, cooking the rice evenly and preventing it from drying out. It's a good practice to check for doneness about five minutes before the suggested cooking time, in case you need to adjust the heat or add a splash of broth.

Serving and Storing Suggestions

This One Pot Chicken and Rice dish can easily be modified or enhanced with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, sprinkled on top just before serving. You might consider a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness, complementing the rich flavors of garlic and thyme. Serve it in bowls for a cozy family dinner or on a platter for a more communal feel. Pair it with a simple side salad to add a refreshing contrast to the hearty meal.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen even more as they sit. To reheat, add a splash of broth to the pot to prevent drying out, and warm over low heat until heated through. For longer storage, this dish freezes well; just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing. It can be reheated directly from the freezer, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup long-grain rice
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp dried thyme

This combination of ingredients creates a rich, savory dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Brown the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the pot, seasoning with salt, pepper, and thyme. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 5 minutes.

Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the rice, ensuring it combines well with the chicken and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cover the pot. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes.

Add Peas and Finish

After 20 minutes, remove the pot from heat and add the frozen peas. Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish cooking and the peas to warm through.

Once cooked, serve the dish warm and enjoy the delightful flavors!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken in garlic and herbs a few hours before cooking. You can also add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for a colorful twist.

Ingredient Substitutions

While the recipe calls for chicken thighs for their rich flavor and juiciness, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if preferred; just reduce the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes to prevent them from drying out. For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead, adjusting the cooking time for the alternative proteins accordingly.

If you want to skip the peas or don’t have them on hand, consider adding chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking; they’ll add a nice pop of color and nutrition without compromising on the dish's integrity. Likewise, try swapping out the thyme for dried basil or oregano for a different herbal note.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your rice isn't cooking properly and remains too firm after the suggested time, you may need to add a bit more broth or water. It’s important to keep an eye on the simmering process; if you notice too much steam escaping, check the pot cover or reduce the heat just a tad. For overly mushy rice, it may have been overcooked or added too much liquid. Adjusting the water-to-rice ratio next time will help in achieving the desired texture.

Should your dish lack flavor, double-check your seasoning. Adding an extra pinch of salt can enhance the overall taste, especially as the flavors continue to meld. It’s always a good idea to taste before serving to make any last adjustments to suit your palate.

Make-Ahead Tips

This one-pot meal is perfect for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper the night before; this enhances the flavor and keeps the chicken tender. You can also chop your vegetables in advance, making assembly and cooking a breeze when it's time to eat. Just remember that the final cooking time might be slightly extended if you start with cold ingredients.

If you want to prepare the dish a day ahead, simply cook it completely and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to reheat gently over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken and rice, adding a bit of broth as needed for moisture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish can be served on its own, but a side salad or roasted vegetables also pair nicely.

→ Can I make this recipe in a rice cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a rice cooker, although the method will vary slightly.