Popular's One-Pot Chicken and Rice

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

Tender chicken thighs and fluffy rice simmered with aromatic sofrito, creating a comforting Puerto Rican classic that's ready in under an hour. This puerto rican-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 35 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then add them skin-side down and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1/4 cup finely diced onion, 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened, then stir in 1 tsp dried oregano and 1/2 tsp ground cumin.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups long-grain white rice, 2 cups chicken broth, and 1/2 cup tomato sauce to the pot. Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the rice. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken and set aside. Fluff rice with a fork, then return chicken to the pot. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Popular's One-Pot Chicken and Rice take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Popular's 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Popular's 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 Popular's 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 Popular's One-Pot Chicken and Rice?

Puerto Rican chicken 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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