If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying meal that’s big on flavor and light on cleanup, this Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, spice-rubbed chicken thighs nestle on a bed of fragrant basmati rice, chickpeas, and tender veggies, all cooked together with warming spices for a dish that’s as comforting as it is colorful. Every bite bursts with texture and depth, making this one of those recipes that easily earns a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. If you love a recipe that delivers maximum taste with minimal fuss, you’re in the right place!

Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe demands just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, but each one plays an essential role. From the heady spices to the bright veggies, every component marries together to create a dish with irresistible aroma, robust flavor, and fantastic color.

Ground allspice: The backbone of the spice blend, it lends warmth and aromatic depth.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle, peppery heat throughout the dish.
Ground green cardamom: Infuses a sweet, floral note that pairs beautifully with the other spices.
Ground turmeric: Brings gentle earthiness and a gorgeous golden hue.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, they stay tender during cooking.
Kosher salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors and keeping the chicken perfectly seasoned.
Extra virgin olive oil: For browning chicken and sautéing veggies, and for a silky texture.
Yellow onion: Offers a savory, sweet foundation to the dish.
Carrots: Tender pops of color and a mild natural sweetness.
Frozen peas: Add a quick touch of freshness and vibrant green.
Cooked chickpeas: For added protein, a creamy texture, and a nutty bite.
Basmati rice: Light, fluffy, and the perfect carrier for all those heady flavors.
Cinnamon sticks: Slowly release a sweet, woody aroma into every bite.
Dry bay leaf: Adds subtle depth and background herbal notes.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Used hot for tender, perfectly cooked rice and full flavor.

How to Make Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Spice Blend

Start by combining the ground allspice, black pepper, green cardamom, and turmeric in a small bowl. This is your aromatic foundation for the entire dish. Set the mixture aside, as you’ll be using it for both the chicken and the rice, layering the flavors as you go.

Step 2: Prep and Season the Chicken

Pat your boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry, then halve them for hearty, fork-friendly pieces. Sprinkle them generously with kosher salt and massage that bold spice mixture all over every piece. If you have a bit of time, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes; this helps deepen the flavors and ensures extra tenderness.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil into a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven with a tight lid. Bring it to a shimmer over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and let it cook until just golden on both sides—don’t worry about cooking it through yet. This step locks in the seasoning and gives a head-start on building rich flavor. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same pan, toss in the chopped onions, carrots, and frozen peas. Sauté for about four minutes, stirring often to scoop up those tasty brown bits left from the chicken. Next, add the chickpeas and basmati rice. Sprinkle with salt, plus another hit of allspice and cardamom. Stir well to coat the rice with all those flavors for a truly memorable base.

Step 5: Combine Everything and Add Broth

Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan, nesting them into the rice and veggie mixture. Tuck in the cinnamon sticks and bay leaf. Pour in the boiling hot chicken broth, which helps the rice cook evenly and stay fluffy. Bring everything up to a boil to give the dish a head start and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Simmer Gently

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover your skillet tightly. Let the Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe cook gently for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. The kitchen will smell incredible with spices swirling in the air!

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat and let the skillet rest, lid on, for a few minutes to let everything settle. Remove the cinnamon sticks and bay leaf, then scatter plenty of freshly chopped parsley over the top. The dish is now ready for its grand entrance at the table!

How to Serve Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

This dish shines with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley, which adds a vibrant, herby lift. You can also add a squeeze of lemon for brightness or toasted almonds for a touch of crunch and luxury. Each garnish not only looks inviting but brings out a new dimension of flavor!

Side Dishes

The Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe is satisfying all on its own, but if you want to round out your table, serve it alongside a crisp cucumber-tomato salad, simple yogurt, or warm pita bread. These sides offer fresh contrast and help balance the warm spices in your main bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the family skillet and try serving this meal on a large platter for a casual dinner party centerpiece, topped with extra parsley and toasted nuts. Or, portion into individual bowls for meal prep. A side of creamy herb sauce or a dollop of spiced yogurt adds a touch of restaurant flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors develop even more as they sit, making lunch or dinner the next day extra delicious.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully! Divide portions into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Freeze for up to three months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water over the rice, cover loosely, and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until steaming hot. This gentle method keeps the rice fluffy and chicken juicy, ensuring your Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe tastes just as good as when it was freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that chicken breast may cook a bit faster and can dry out if overcooked, so watch closely to ensure it stays juicy.

What can I substitute for basmati rice?

Jasmine rice works beautifully for a similarly fluffy result, but avoid short-grain rice as it tends to get sticky. Just check cooking times as they might differ slightly.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, swap the chicken thighs for extra chickpeas, cubes of tofu, or hearty roasted vegetables, and use your favorite vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How can I make this meal spicier?

If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the initial spice blend, or finish the dish with a drizzle of hot sauce.

Can I prepare the Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe in advance?

Certainly! You can season the chicken and prep your veggies up to a day ahead. When ready to cook, just follow the steps to assemble everything in your pot for a speedier dinnertime.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe a whirl—it’s one of those rare suppers that’s equal parts hearty, fragrant, and totally fuss-free. Invite your friends and family to the table and watch it quickly become everyone’s new favorite comfort meal.