One-Pot Chicken and Rice — The Ultimate Comfort Meal Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pot Chicken and Rice is a comforting and flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly. With tender chicken, fragrant spices, and fluffy basmati rice, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you crave a warm, satisfying dish.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden and soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic, cumin powder, and turmeric. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
4. Step 4: Stir in the rinsed basmati rice, coating it well with the spices and chicken mixture.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes.
6. Step 6: Add the frozen peas to the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Keep the pot covered.
7. Step 7: Once the cooking time is complete, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the rice lightly in the pot before adding broth.
• Swap peas for chopped bell peppers or carrots for a different vegetable mix.
• Use bone-in chicken pieces for richer flavor; increase cooking time accordingly.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish.
• If you prefer, use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

You can use other long-grain rice varieties, but cooking times may vary. Adjust liquid and cooking time accordingly, as basmati rice cooks faster and absorbs liquid differently.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

One-Pot Chicken and Rice — The Ultimate Comfort Meal Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 61 reviews

This One-Pot Chicken and Rice recipe offers a warm, comforting meal combining tender chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a blend of aromatic spices, all cooked together in a single pot for easy preparation and cleanup. Perfect for a wholesome family dinner, this dish balances savory flavors with gentle seasoning, enhanced by fresh peas and coriander.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Sauté onion: Add finely chopped onion and cook until it turns golden and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, and ½ teaspoon turmeric. Cook for about 1 minute until the mixture is fragrant.
4. Brown the chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken pieces are lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5 minutes.
5. Add rice: Stir in the rinsed basmati rice, coating it thoroughly with the spices and chicken mixture to infuse flavor evenly.
6. Pour in chicken broth and simmer: Pour 3 cups of chicken broth over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes.
7. Add peas: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing them to heat through and soften.
8. Fluff and garnish: Remove the pot from heat. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander before serving.

Notes

• Rinsing the basmati rice helps remove excess starch and prevents it from becoming sticky.
• If you prefer a more pronounced spice flavor, increase cumin powder to 1.5 teaspoons.
• Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts for a juicier texture.
• Ensure the pot has a tight-fitting lid to maintain proper simmering and moisture retention.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: one pot, chicken and rice, easy dinner, comfort food, basmati rice, one-pot meal, quick recipe, family meal