Dinner

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

ByRita Bennet December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

Introduction

This One-Pot Chicken and Rice dish is the ultimate comfort meal—simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, fragrant spices, and fluffy basmati rice come together in one easy pot. You’ll love how effortlessly delicious it is.

A round pan filled with six browned, crispy chicken thighs placed evenly on top of a mixture of cooked rice, diced carrots, and green peas. The chicken skin looks golden and slightly textured, while the vegetables and rice add splashes of orange, green, and pale yellow all around. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the chicken and rice, adding a fresh color contrast. The pan is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden and soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add minced garlic, cumin powder, and turmeric to the pot. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
Step 3: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are lightly browned on all sides.
Step 4: Stir in the rinsed basmati rice, coating it well with the spices and chicken.

Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, then cover the pot with a lid. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes.
Step 6: About 5 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the frozen peas. Cover again and finish cooking until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Step 7: Remove from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, try swapping chicken broth with homemade stock or adding a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
You can substitute frozen peas with chopped bell peppers or green beans for a different vegetable twist.
If you prefer, use brown rice; just increase the simmering time and liquid accordingly.

Storage

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

How to Serve

The image shows a large metal pan filled with cooked chicken pieces and rice mixed with green peas and small orange carrot cubes. There are six browned chicken pieces evenly spread on top of the rice, which looks fluffy and slightly oily. The rice is light brown, and the vegetables add bright spots of green and orange throughout. The dish is garnished with small green herb leaves sprinkled over everything. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can use long-grain or jasmine rice, but cooking times and liquid amounts may vary. Brown rice will require more liquid and longer cooking time.