Household Pantry Chicken and Rice

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

A simple, one-pot meal that transforms basic pantry staples into a flavorful and satisfying dinner with minimal effort. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, long-grain rice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 1 lb chicken thighs with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup long-grain rice to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to toast the rice. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Return chicken to the skillet. Stir in 1/2 cup frozen peas. Cover tightly and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Remove lid, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Household Pantry Chicken and Rice take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Household Pantry 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Household Pantry 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 Household Pantry 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 Household Pantry Chicken and Rice?

American 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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