One Pot Chicken And Rice With Garlic

Name: One Pot Chicken And Rice With Garlic
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on; 1 cup long-grain rice; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 onion, diced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Chopped parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Instant Inspiration

I absolutely love preparing One Pot Chicken And Rice With Garlic. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that has become a staple in my kitchen. The beauty of this meal lies in its convenience—everything cooks together in one pot, allowing the chicken to infuse the rice with rich flavors while keeping the cleanup minimal. Plus, with the addition of garlic, it offers a delightful aroma that fills the house and makes everyone hungry. In just a short time, you can serve a hearty meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Created by

Olwen Bradford

Last updated on 2026-02-01T17:21:35.963Z

When learning to prepare this One Pot Chicken And Rice With Garlic, I experimented with various spices and cooking techniques until I found the perfect balance. The key is browning the chicken before adding the rice, which allows the flavors to deepen and enhances the overall taste. Not only does this technique create a lovely color, but it also seals in the juices of the chicken, making sure each bite is delicious.

Each time I make this dish, I love the way the garlic and herbs infuse the rice with flavor. I often add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness and freshness, which pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and softened garlic. This small addition makes a world of difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Aromatic garlic flavor that elevates the dish
One-pot meal means less cleanup
Flavorful chicken cooked to perfection

The Importance of Searing

Searing the chicken before adding it to the rice is a crucial step in building flavor. This technique creates a golden, crispy skin that locks in moisture and adds depth to the dish. The Maillard reaction during searing enhances the overall taste, making the chicken more savory. Make sure your pot is adequately heated—this means a medium-high heat level so that the chicken sizzles upon contact. If your chicken sticks, it might not be ready to flip yet, so give it a bit more time.

After searing, don’t forget to scrape any fond (the brown bits) left in the pot. These bits are packed with flavor and will contribute to the richness of the rice. As the onions and garlic sauté, they will incorporate these flavorful remnants into the base, creating a comforting, aromatic experience.

Cooking Rice to Perfection

When adding the rice to the pot, ensure it is thoroughly mixed with the oil and aromatics. This step helps to coat each grain, which promotes even cooking and prevents clumping. Use long-grain rice for this recipe as it will remain fluffy and separate during the cooking process, unlike short-grain varieties that tend to stick together.

It's important to adjust the liquid proportion based on the type of rice you are using. Although this recipe calls for 2 cups of chicken broth, certain rice types may require slightly more or less, so consulting the packaging can provide helpful guidelines. Visual cues like the rice absorbing the liquid are ideal indicators of readiness, allowing you to judge when it’s time to reduce the heat.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Once you've let the dish rest post-cooking, fluffing the rice with a fork is essential for achieving a light texture. This airiness complements the juicy chicken beautifully. For a more vibrant presentation, consider serving with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating on the stove adds some moisture back into the dish, ensuring it doesn’t dry out. For longer storage, consider freezing portions; this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and add a splash of broth to restore its original moisture level.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delightful one pot meal:

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
1 cup long-grain rice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your one pot meal:

Sear the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Once hot, add the chicken skin-side down and sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.

Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the rice, ensuring it is well coated in the oil and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth and mix thoroughly.

Combine and Cook

Place the seared chicken back on top of the rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Serve

Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest with the lid on for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot!

Enjoy your delicious chicken and rice dish!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding your favorite vegetables such as peas or bell peppers during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Enhancing Flavor Profiles

To elevate the flavor, consider adding additional herbs and spices to the mix. Herbs like thyme or rosemary can complement the garlic and chicken beautifully. You can add them while sautéing the onions for a fragrant base. Additionally, a dash of lemon zest or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes could bring a nice brightness and a subtle kick to the overall dish.

Another twist is substituting the chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. While this change may slightly alter the cooking time, the process remains the same. Just ensure you reduce the cook time by about 5-10 minutes, as breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the rice turns out too mushy, it's often due to excess liquid or overcooking. In future attempts, monitor the simmering process closely and adjust the broth to rice ratio according to the specific type of rice used. For perfect texture, aim for a firm bite at the end of cooking.

Conversely, if the rice remains crunchy, check your heat settings. It should be on a low simmer to ensure a gentle cooking process. If you find you need extra liquid during cooking, feel free to add a bit more broth, but do so gradually to maintain the right balance.

Scaling and Variations

This recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs. Simply maintain the same ratio of rice to chicken broth for larger batches. For a vegetarian version, consider replacing chicken with chickpeas or mushrooms, and vegetable broth for added flavor without losing the comfort this dish brings.

Moreover, feel free to experiment with varying ingredients—adding vegetables such as peas or bell peppers can create vibrant color and nutrition. Just be mindful to sauté them along with the onions so they are tender by the time the dish is ready to serve.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be mindful that they may dry out faster. Ensure not to overcook them.

→ What type of rice is best for this recipe?

Long-grain rice works best as it stays fluffy and doesn’t clump together.

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can make it ahead of time and reheat it. Just add a little broth to prevent it from drying out.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.