One Pot Chicken Rice Bowl: Easiest Weeknight Dinner EVER!

One pot chicken rice bowl – the ultimate weeknight dinner champion! Think tender chicken, fluffy rice, and flavorful veggies all cooked together in a single pot. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a comforting classic reimagined for busy lives. My grandmother used to make a similar dish, only it involved multiple pots and a whole lot of fuss. This one pot chicken rice bowl recipe is my streamlined, modern take on that cherished memory.

Why You Will Love This one pot chicken rice bowl Recipe

This one pot chicken rice bowl is pure comfort food, plain and simple. It’s incredibly quick to make, perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table in under an hour. But the best part? Everything cooks together, infusing the rice with incredible flavor. This means less dishes and more time relaxing! This recipe delivers big flavor without the fuss, and it’s easily customizable with your favorite veggies and spices. I especially love the depth of flavour the chicken broth gives to the rice.

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It reminds me of all those hectic weeknights when I was juggling work and life, completely exhausted, yet determined to put a home cooked meal on the table. This one pot wonder saved the day more than once. It’s also a family favorite, a guaranteed crowd pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. This one pot chicken rice bowl quickly became part of our regular rotation.

Ingredients Needed for This one pot chicken rice bowl Recipe

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long grain rice, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, soy sauce

How to Make This one pot chicken rice bowl Recipe

1. 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.

1. 2. Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

1. 3. Add rice to the pot and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps to toast the rice and bring out its flavor.

1. 4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.

1. 5. Return chicken to the pot. Stir in mixed vegetables, thyme, salt, and pepper.

1. 6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Be sure to check around the 20 minute mark to ensure the rice doesn’t burn.

1. 7. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Stir to fluff the rice.

1. 8. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve with soy sauce on the side.

You know, if you want to try out a similar dish with a smoky flavour, then you might want to try my Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl 3 recipe.

How to Serve This one pot chicken rice bowl Recipe

This one pot chicken rice bowl is a complete meal on its own, but here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:

• Toppings Galore: Set out a topping bar with options like sriracha, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
• Side Dish Pairing: A simple side salad or steamed broccoli complements the dish nicely.
• Make it a Bowl Bar: Serve in individual bowls for a personalized touch.

How to Store This one pot chicken rice bowl Recipe

• Refrigeration: Store leftover one pot chicken rice bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Tips to Make This one pot chicken rice bowl Recipe

• Rice Rinse: Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice and preventing it from becoming sticky.
• Broth Choice: Chicken broth adds richness but vegetable broth can also be used.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
• Don’t Peek: Avoid lifting the lid too often while the rice is cooking, as this can release steam and affect the cooking time.

Why not try another variation of a chicken rice bowl recipe, perhaps a Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Bowl 3 is more up your street?

Helpful Notes for This one pot chicken rice bowl Recipe

• Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breast: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay moist and tender during cooking. However, you can use chicken breast if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook it.
• Rice Variety: Long grain rice is recommended for this recipe as it holds its shape well.
• Veggie Options: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions.
• Liquid Ratio: Always check to make sure you have enough liquids when cooking one pot recipes. If the dish looks dry, add a bit more chicken broth.

Variation of This one pot chicken rice bowl Recipe

• Spicy Version: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the pot along with the chicken broth.
• Lemon Herb: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or dill to the pot before simmering.
• Coconut Curry: Substitute one can (13.5 ounces) of coconut milk for one cup of the chicken broth and add a tablespoon of curry powder.

Or, if you want a similar recipe that’s even easier, you could always try my Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Bowl 4 recipe.

Conclusion

This one pot chicken rice bowl is more than just a recipe, it’s your trusty sidekick for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious. I really hope you give this comfort in a bowl a try! Let me know in the comments what you think!

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