Transform your ordinary weeknight meal into a date night-worthy dinner with this One Pan Chicken and Rice Meal. Juicy chicken thighs and fragrant basmati rice infused with savory chicken broth come together in one pan for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Easy to make, minimal cleanup, and incredibly satisfying, this one-pot creamy chicken and rice is a winner!

After a long, tiring day at work, the last thing we want is to slave hours in the kitchen preparing a complicated meal with a mountain of dishes to clean up afterward. That’s where one-pan meals save the day (or night, honestly)!

Picture removing the lid of a sizzling pan to witness tender, golden-brown chicken thighs nestled atop a bed of fragrant basmati rice infused with a medley of enticing spices and sautéed vegetables. The most exciting part? It all comes together in one pan, making weeknight dinner a breeze!

With this one-pot creamy chicken and rice, you’ll enjoy savoring a restaurant-worthy meal right in your home, with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Each succulent bite of chicken is perfectly seasoned, with a crispy, golden exterior that leads to juicy, tender meat. Basmati rice, infused with a delightful blend of spices, has a mesmerizing aroma and rich, satisfying taste that will leave you yearning for seconds.

So, let’s explore the wonders of one-pan cooking with this chicken and rice recipe stovetop that promises extraordinary flavors and minimal cleanup—a true hero of your weeknight dinner woes!

One Pan Chicken and Rice Ingredients

Chicken Thighs – I have used chicken thighs for this recipe, keeping the skin-on and bone-in to add richness and flavor. The skin crisps beautifully during cooking, creating a delightful contrast with the tender meat inside.

Basmati Rice – Basmati rice is known for its distinct aroma and fluffy texture. It serves as the perfect canvas to absorb the flavors of the spices and chicken broth, resulting in a delectable side to accompany the chicken. Feel free to swap for jasmine rice or any other long-grain rice variety.

Aromatic Spices – This delectable chicken marinade blends enticing spices such as chili powder, cumin, seven spice, cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, and Cajun seasoning. The same spices are also utilized to cook the rice, infusing the dish with depth and flavor, thus elevating the chicken and rice combo.

Avocado Oil – Avocado oil is used for pan-searing and marinating chicken. Its high smoke point makes it suitable for searing chicken to achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust.

Onions, Red Pepper, and Garlic – Sautéed vegetables add color and texture and enhance the flavor profile of this rice and chicken one-pan meal. The onion becomes lightly browned, the red pepper adds a hint of sweetness, and the garlic lends its irresistible aroma.

Chicken Broth – When cooking rice, using chicken broth as the cooking liquid infuses it with a delicious savory flavor that complements the spices in the marinade and balances the chicken’s tenderness.

Garnish – Fresh cilantro or parsley garnish adds freshness and color to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal and providing a pleasant herbal note.

How to make easy One Pan Chicken and Rice Meal

Prepare the Marinade

Combine all the marinade ingredients, including chili powder, cumin, seven spice, cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, and Cajun seasoning, and mix well.

Marinate the Chicken

Use half of the marinade to season the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly for maximum flavor. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer if time allows).

Cook the Chicken

In a large frying pan or skillet, drizzle 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the pan and cook them on each side for 6 to 7 minutes until they achieve a delicious, crispy golden-brown crust.

Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the pan and set them aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan and with the remaining oil, add the diced onion and finely chopped red pepper.

Sauté until the onion becomes lightly brown. Add the minced garlic and the other half of the marinade, quickly mixing everything.

Toast the Rice

Add the uncooked basmati rice to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice. Be gentle to avoid breaking the rice grains.

Add the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, stirring briefly to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.

Return the Chicken

Place the cooked chicken thighs on top of the rice in the pan. Cover the pan and let the mixture cook on low heat for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Infuse the Smoky Flavor (Optional)

For an extra layer of mouthwatering smokiness, open the lid and place a piece of charcoal in the middle of the pan. Drizzle a drop of oil over the charcoal and cover the pan again. Let it sit covered for 10 minutes before removing the charcoal.

Garnish and Serve

Uncover the pan, and garnish your One Pan Chicken and Rice Meal with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the dish directly from the pan, and enjoy a delightful and flavorful meal!

FAQs

What to serve with one pan chicken and rice meal?

When it comes to the best side dish with chicken and rice, you have several delightful options to complement and enhance the flavors. Here are some delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with this hearty meal:

Garlic Roasted Vegetables – Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers make a wonderful side dish. Toss the veggies in olive oil, sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and roast them until tender and slightly caramelized.

Steamed Green Beans – Steamed green beans are simple yet delicious. Lightly steam the green beans until they are tender-crisp and season with a pinch of salt and a pat of butter or olive oil.

Fresh Garden Salad – A crisp and refreshing side salad is an excellent choice to balance the richness of the chicken and rice. Toss a medley of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette dressing for freshness.

Mango Salsa – Serve a vibrant mango salsa on the side for a tropical twist. Mix ripe mangoes with diced red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and a dash of salt.

Can I use chicken breasts for this recipe?

I highly recommend chicken thighs when preparing this one-pot chicken and rice recipe. It is because chicken breasts tend to dry when subjected to the double cooking process of searing first, then steaming with rice. Additionally, chicken thighs contribute significantly to the overall flavor profile. Choosing chicken breasts may result in a less tender and juicy outcome than chicken thighs.

Loved it? Don’t forget to try my other basmati rice recipes with chicken.

Gyro Rice bowl With Chicken and Tzatziki

Loaded Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl

Easy One Pan Chicken and Rice Meal

Ingredients

Chicken

5 chicken thighs, skin-on, and bone-in
2 tbsp avocado oil

Rice

1 ½ cup basmati rice
3 cups chicken broth
1 onion
1 red pepper
5 garlic cloves

Marinade

1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tbsp seven spice
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp cardamom
¼ tsp coriander
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
Use half of the marinade to season the chicken thighs, coating each piece well so that the marinade penetrates the flavor deep inside.
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a pan, place the marinated chicken thighs, and let them cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Make sure to achieve a beautiful and crispy golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken thighs from the pan. Set aside.
In the same pan and same oil, add a diced onion and finely chopped red pepper, and sauté until the onion becomes lightly brown.
Add garlic cloves alongside the other half of the marinade and mix it quickly.
Add the uncooked rice to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes more to toast the rice. Be careful not to break the rice.
Add the vegetable broth to the pan and stir briefly to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
Return the chicken to the pan, placing it on top of the rice. Cover your pan and cook on low heat for 30 minutes.
Once done, open the lid and place a piece of charcoal in the middle, pour a drop of oil over it, and set the pan aside, covered for 10 minutes. This step is optional but imparts a mouthwatering smoky flavor to the rice.
Remove the lid, and garnish with cilantro and parsley. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Marinate Longer for Extra Flavor – For the most flavorful chicken, marinate it for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if possible. It allows spices to penetrate the meat, enhancing its taste and tenderness.
Prep Ahead – To save time on busy evenings, marinate the chicken in the morning or the night before. It allows the flavors to develop further, resulting in an even tastier dish.
Leftovers Make Great Lunches – This rice and chicken meal is even better the next day. Pack any leftovers in lunch containers and take them to work or school for a tasty and satisfying midday meal.
Experiment with Veggies – While the recipe calls for an onion and red pepper, don't hesitate to add your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, peas, or even spinach can enhance the dish.

Easy One Pan Chicken and Rice Meal

One Pan Chicken and Rice Ingredients