Best One-Pot Chicken and Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A foolproof, flavorful weeknight dinner where tender chicken and aromatic rice cook together in one pot for the best simple meal ever. This asian-inspired one pot ready in about 37 minutes pairs chicken thighs, jasmine rice, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 22 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb chicken thighs dry with paper towels, season with salt and pepper, then heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1/2 cup chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup jasmine rice, 2 cups chicken broth, and 2 tbsp soy sauce; bring to a gentle simmer, then stir once to combine.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the rice; cover tightly with a lid and reduce heat to low.
  6. Step 6: Simmer for 20-22 minutes until rice is tender, broth is absorbed, and chicken is cooked through, checking once to ensure no burning.
  7. Step 7: Remove lid, fluff rice gently with a fork, sprinkle with 2 tbsp sliced green onions, and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best One-Pot Chicken and Rice take to make?

Total time is about 37 minutes (15 min prep + 22 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best One-Pot Chicken and Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best One-Pot Chicken and Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best One-Pot Chicken and Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Best One-Pot Chicken and Rice?

Asian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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