One Pot Chicken And Rice With Garlic

Name: One Pot Chicken And Rice With Garlic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on; 1 cup long-grain rice; 1 onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley for garnish

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I love how easy and satisfying this One Pot Chicken and Rice with Garlic dish is to make. With just one pot, I can create a flavorful meal that brings the whole family together. The aroma of garlic fills the kitchen as the chicken simmers with the rice, creating a comforting and delicious feast. This recipe has quickly become a weeknight staple for us, and I think you'll enjoy it just as much as we do!

Created by

Seraphina Moore

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:49:35.575Z

When I first tried this One Pot Chicken and Rice with Garlic, I was taken aback by how simple yet flavorful it turned out. The secret lies in the slow cooking of the garlic, which becomes soft and mellow, infusing the dish with deep, rich flavors that are hard to resist. I experimented with different spices, and now I'm convinced that a touch of paprika and thyme elevates the dish even further.

I often serve this with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for added brightness. It's also a fantastic recipe to use any leftover vegetables you have. The versatility of this dish means you can easily customize it to your taste, making it a perfect choice for using what’s on hand!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        One-pot convenience saves time on cleanup
Comforting garlic aroma fills your kitchen
Full of flavor and nutrients in every bite

      

The Role of Garlic and Aromatics

Garlic is the star ingredient in this dish, contributing to its rich flavor profile. When sautéed, garlic becomes sweet and aromatic, infusing the olive oil with its essence, which then coats the rice and chicken, creating a cohesive taste. The key is to sauté it just until fragrant—overcooking can lead to bitterness, so keep an eye on it while it cooks.

The addition of onion complements the garlic beautifully. When translucent, the onion releases its natural sweetness, balancing the dish's overall savory notes. Sauté them until soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes, allowing their flavors to develop fully before adding the rice.

Perfecting the Rice

Using long-grain rice helps ensure that the grains remain separate and fluffy rather than clumping together. This type of rice absorbs the chicken broth while cooking, making it flavorful and moist. If you're worried about overcooking, using a timer for the 25-30 minutes of simmering is crucial; rice will turn creamy if cooked too long, so monitor it closely.

I recommend rinsing the rice before cooking. This removes excess starch, preventing the dish from becoming gummy. Simply place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. This small step can significantly enhance the texture of your final dish.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

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

With these ingredients ready, you can start making your delicious one-pot meal!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect One Pot Chicken and Rice:

Sear the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and add them to the pot, skin-side down. Sear for about 5 minutes, until golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for another 5 minutes.

Sauté the Aromatics

Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Cook the Rice

Add the rice to the pot, stirring to coat it in the oil and mix with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, and add paprika and thyme. Stir well to combine.

Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken thighs to the pot, placing them on top of the rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before uncovering. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve directly from the pot.

This one-pot meal is not only delicious but also a significant time-saver!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in herbs and spices a few hours before cooking.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This One Pot Chicken and Rice dish is excellent for meal prepping. You can make it in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. It also freezes well; just ensure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

If you plan to freeze, it's best to slightly undercook the rice during the initial cooking process to prevent it from becoming mushy upon reheating. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this dish with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to add a bright contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the chicken and rice. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the finished plate can also enhance the dish, cutting through the heaviness, and adding a zesty finish.

For a little extra flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan or a splash of soy sauce to the rice after cooking—these can take this comforting dish in a deliciously different direction. Feel free to get creative with garnishes, perhaps adding sliced green onions or toasted nuts for extra texture!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice generally requires more liquid and longer cooking time.

→ Is it possible to make this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat. Just add a little broth while reheating to keep the rice moist.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.