One-Pot Chicken and Rice — The Ultimate Comfort Meal Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onion: Add finely chopped onion and cook until it turns golden and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add rice: Stir in the rinsed basmati rice, coating it thoroughly with the spices and chicken mixture to infuse flavor evenly.
- 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.
- Add peas: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing them to heat through and soften.
- 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
