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A delicious one-pan chicken and rice dish with tender chicken pieces, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice all cooked together in a single skillet.

Effortless One-Pan Chicken & Rice: Your Weeknight Hero

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Effortless One-Pan Chicken & Rice is the ultimate weeknight hero, offering a quick, flavorful, and hearty meal with tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and aromatic spices all made in a single pan. This easy-to-make dish minimizes cleanup while delivering maximum taste for busy weeknights.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional for extra flavor)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare all ingredients for smooth cooking.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Stir in uncooked rice, coating it with oil and aromatics. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes (if using), then bring to a boil.
  5. Nestle the seared chicken breasts into the rice mixture. Cover and transfer to the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
  6. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition.
  • For a cheesy variation, sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
  • Use high-quality chicken broth for richer flavor.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking, Searing, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg