One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Rice

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

Simmered chicken and rice in a tomato-basil broth with aromatic garlic, ready in 40 minutes with minimal cleanup. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, onion 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, and cook for 5 minutes until browned on all sides; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, cook for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup long-grain rice, then add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to pot, bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low; cook for 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Remove lid, fluff rice with a fork, and let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Tomato Basil 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 One-Pot Tomato Basil 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 One-Pot Tomato Basil 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 One-Pot Tomato Basil 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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