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, skinless and boneless; 1 cup long-grain rice; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Soulful Flavors

I absolutely love making this One Pot Chicken And Rice with Garlic since it's both simple and packed with flavor. Cooking everything in one pot not only saves me time on cleanup but also allows the ingredients to meld beautifully. The garlic aroma fills the kitchen as it cooks and the juicy chicken comes out incredibly tender. Whether I'm serving it on a weeknight or entertaining guests, this dish always impresses with its delightful taste and comforting essence.

Created by

Fiona Carter

Last updated on 2026-02-06T17:33:37.396Z

When I first tried my hand at One Pot Chicken And Rice with Garlic, I was amazed at how a single pot could yield such a delicious meal. The technique of toasting the rice before adding the chicken and broth is a game changer, bringing out nutty flavors that elevate the entire dish. It’s one of those meals that warms your soul and makes you feel right at home.

One key tip I learned is to let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to settle and gives the rice a chance to absorb any remaining liquid, resulting in a perfect texture. Every time I make this, my family can’t help but ask for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Aromatic garlic infuses every bite with irresistible flavor
Comforting and satisfying, perfect for family dinners
Simple cleanup with everything cooked in one pot

Mastering the One Pot Technique

Cooking this One Pot Chicken and Rice dish is not just about combining ingredients; it's about mastering a technique that allows flavors to meld harmoniously. The key is to sauté the onions and garlic thoroughly before introducing the chicken. This step builds a flavorful base, allowing the aromatics to infuse the chicken beautifully. When browning the chicken, ensure the pot is hot enough so you achieve that golden crust, which adds depth to your dish.

After adding the rice, take care to toast it properly. This brief toasting step elevates its nutty flavor and helps each grain maintain its individual texture. Stirring the rice into the pot allows it to coat in the aromatic oil and absorb the flavors early on. If you see it start to stick even slightly, just stir it frequently to release it from the bottom of the pot.

Choosing The Right Ingredients

While the recipe calls for chicken thighs for their moisture and flavor, feel free to use bone-in chicken pieces for added richness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly; bone-in pieces may require an additional 10-15 minutes of simmering to ensure they cook through fully. If you aim for a healthier twist, substituting brown rice for white rice can work, but remember to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice usually requires more water and takes about 40-45 minutes to cook.

Garlic plays a crucial role in this dish, both for flavor and for the comforting aroma it releases while cooking. If you’re a garlic lover, consider adding roasted garlic for an even more robust taste. Simply roast a head of garlic alongside your dish, adding it in toward the end of the cooking process to deepen the flavors.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
1 cup long-grain rice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure all your ingredients are prepared before starting to make the cooking process smoother.

Instructions

Sauté Onions and Garlic

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Brown the Chicken

Push the onions and garlic to the side and add the chicken thighs. Season with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Toast the Rice

Add the rice to the pot, stirring it into the cooking mixture. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, allowing it to absorb flavors.

Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.

Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and let the pot rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy this delicious meal directly from the pot for a cozy dinner experience!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can add vegetables like peas or bell peppers alongside the chicken. Also, using the broth instead of water when cooking the rice enhances the taste significantly.

Make-Ahead Tips

This One Pot Chicken and Rice can be a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare the sautéed onions and garlic, and even brown the chicken a day in advance, allowing you to just toss everything together when you're ready to cook. Just store these components in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and when it’s time, heat them slightly in the pot before adding the rice and broth.

Leftovers also store well in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice from drying out. Microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through to ensure even warming.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty on its own but can be complemented beautifully with various sides. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette would provide a lovely freshness to balance the comforting flavors of the chicken and rice. If you're looking to add a punch of flavor, consider serving it with a side of grilled vegetables or garlic bread, which can soak up any remaining sauce.

For a fun twist, you can also transform leftovers into a new meal. Consider sautéing any remaining chicken and rice with a bit of soy sauce and vegetables for a quick stir-fry. This not only prevents food waste but also introduces a completely different flavor profile.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time to about 40 minutes and use more liquid.

→ Is it possible to make this dish with vegetables only?

Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and replace it with your favorite vegetables for a vegetarian version.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prep all the ingredients beforehand and cook it right before serving.

→ What can I serve this dish with?

It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.