One-Pot Cheesy Chicken & Rice

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

Creamy rice cooked with tender chicken and peas in a single pot, ready in 25 minutes with zero extra dishes. This american-inspired quick meals ready in about 25 minutes pairs chicken thighs, chicken broth, basmati rice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb chicken thighs and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup diced onion to the pot and cook for 3 minutes until softened, then stir in 1 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Add 1 cup basmati rice, 1.5 cups chicken broth, 1/2 cup frozen peas, and the cooked chicken thighs; bring to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese until melted, and let sit covered for 3 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Cheesy Chicken & Rice take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 One-Pot Cheesy Chicken & 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 One-Pot Cheesy Chicken & 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 One-Pot Cheesy Chicken & 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 One-Pot Cheesy Chicken & Rice?

American quick meals 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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