One Pot Chicken And Rice With Garlic

Name: One Pot Chicken And Rice With Garlic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, skin-on; 1 cup rice (jasmine or basmati); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Smart Collection

I absolutely love making One Pot Chicken and Rice with Garlic, especially on busy weeknights when time is of the essence. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also boasts an incredible depth of flavor that leaves everyone asking for seconds. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and fluffy rice cooked to perfection in one pot makes it a family favorite. With just a few staple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it's the ultimate comfort food that brings joy to my kitchen.

Created by

Tilda Greenwood

Last updated on 2026-02-01T15:01:36.093Z

When I first tried making One Pot Chicken and Rice with Garlic, I was amazed at how easily the flavors came together in just one pot. I used a fragrant blend of herbs and spices to elevate the chicken, and the rice soaked up all that delicious flavor, making each bite a hearty experience. This recipe truly turned into a go-to for my family, helping me avoid the chaos of laundrying too many dishes post-dinner.

The key to success in this recipe is allowing the chicken to sear properly before adding the garlic and rice. By doing so, I create a nice golden crust that not only enhances the taste but also adds depth to the overall dish. Trust me; it’s worth every minute spent letting those flavors marry!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        It's all made in one pot for easy clean-up
The garlic adds an incredible aroma that fills your home
The chicken remains juicy while the rice absorbs all the flavors

      

Mastering the Searing Technique

Searing the chicken thighs is a crucial step that brings out a rich, savory flavor that enhances the overall dish. For optimal results, place the chicken skin-side down in the hot oil and resist the urge to move it too soon; allowing it to establish a golden-brown crust is essential. This process should take about 5 minutes on medium heat. If you notice the chicken is sticking, your pot may not be hot enough. Just let it cook a bit longer until it releases easily.

By flipping the chicken after the initial sear, you're also creating a layered texture, allowing juices to flow down into the rice once combined. Pay attention to how the skin color deepens—you're aiming for an appealing golden hue. After searing, don't skip the resting stage, as it keeps the chicken juicy and tender while you sauté the aromatics.

Perfecting the Rice

Achieving fluffy rice is as much about technique as it is about ingredients. When you add the rice to the pot, give it a gentle stir to coat each grain in the aromatic oil and to prevent sticking. A critical aspect is the balance between liquid and rice; in this recipe, the 2 cups of broth provide the necessary moisture, while the chicken's juices enhance the flavor. It's essential to bring the mixture to a boil before lowering the heat, ensuring the rice cooks evenly without becoming mushy.

Once the pot is covered and simmering for 25 minutes, try to avoid lifting the lid too often. Each time you do, steam escapes, which can disrupt the cooking process. If the rice isn't tender after 25 minutes, you can add a splash of extra broth and cover it to cook a few minutes more. The expected outcome is rice that absorbs all the wonderful flavors while remaining light and fluffy.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, skin-on
1 cup rice (jasmine or basmati)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Sear the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot skin-side down. Sear for about 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion is translucent. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.

Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the rice, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil and stir well, then return the chicken to the pot, resting it on top of the rice.

Cook the Dish

Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for about 25 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve

Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic and herbs for a few hours before cooking.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover One Pot Chicken and Rice, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to the fridge to retain its quality. This dish is great for meal prep, as the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making it even more delightful on reheating.

Reheating is simple; you can do so in the microwave for a few minutes, or in a skillet over low heat, adding a tablespoon of broth to keep the rice moist. Stir frequently until heated through. Just keep an eye on it to avoid drying out the chicken.

Flavor Variations

While this recipe shines with garlic, don't hesitate to add your favorite herbs or spices for a twist. Consider incorporating a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a sprig of thyme for added depth. If you prefer a creamier finish, you can stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving, enriching the dish and adding a delightful richness.

For a vegetable boost, you can toss in some frozen peas or diced bell peppers when you add the rice and broth. This not only increases nutrition but also adds vibrant color and texture, making it even more appealing. Experimenting with different vegetables or seasonings can create a lovely variation that keeps the meal exciting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook, typically around 45-50 minutes.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, One Pot Chicken and Rice can be prepared in advance and reheated. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

→ What other proteins can I use?

You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even use shrimp for a different flavor profile.