One Pot Chicken and Rice

Quick and easy one pot chicken and rice recipe, made with simple ingredients on stovetop. It's is a healthy 30 minute meal, packed with Cajun seasoning, peppers, corn.

Among the many chicken and rice recipes I make, my family says this one is their absolute favorite. It's just as good as this One Pot Sausage and Rice. It does have a little bit of spicy kick to it because of the Cajun seasoning, but that can be easily adjusted based on how much spice you can handle. I never ever have any leftovers, but if you do end up with some, they make a great lunch the next day.

Key ingredients

• Oil- Used for sauteing and added flavor.
• Onion- Be sure it is finely chopped.
• Chicken- Use boneless chicken that is cut into strips.
• Ginger- Fresh is best and be sure it is minced.
• Garlic- You can use bottled minced, but fresh has the most flavor.
• Broth- I like chicken best but you can also use vegetable.
• Cajun seasoning- Adds a bit of kick to the recipe.
• Salt and pepper- Adjust according to your preference.
• Rice- Be sure it is uncooked.
• Peppers- Use both green and red for color and flavor.
• Corn- I like to use frozen in this recipe.
• Cilantro- Added for color and as a garnish.

Variations

• Use different parts of the chicken- Try 4 or 5 chicken thighs instead of chicken breast pieces. You can also use whole boneless chicken breasts, strips or cubes.
• Fried Chicken and Rice- Stir fry the leftovers the next day (stale rice works best in stir fries) in some oil in a wok.
• Creamy version- Lower the amount of broth and balance it with some heavy cream or half and half or even cream cheese.
• Use brown rice- Replace regular rice with brown rice but the cooking time will need to be increased since brown rice takes longer to get cooked.
• Chicken and Wild Rice Soup- Add more broth and water to create a soup-like consistency. Also, increase the quantity of cajun seasoning. Also, use wild rice instead of regular rice.
• Mexican version- Use taco seasoning instead of cajun seasoning.
• Chicken Rice and Beans- Add ⅓ cup canned beans in this recipe.
• Add Cream of Mushroom Soup- Add 1 small can of cream of mushroom soup in this recipe and reduce the amount of brother by ¼ cup.
• Oven baked option- Prepare the meal, as per the instructions below. Then, dump it in a casserole dish and sprinkle lots of cheese and breadcrumbs on top and broil on high for 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and fully melted.
• Make it cheesy- When the rice is fully cooked, add 1 cup of cheddar, mozzarella and/or parmesan cheese and mix it into the rice.

How to make easy chicken and rice recipe?

1. Saute- Onions in oil.
2. Add in- Chicken, ginger, garlic and cook for a few minutes.
3. Pour in- The broth then add spices, peppers, rice, and corn.
4. Cover and cook- Until rice is cooked.
5. Mix in- Cilantro and you are done.

What to serve with healthy chicken and rice?

• Salads- Such as Easy Pear Salad (One Bowl) or Easy Kale Salad (One Bowl)
• Roasted vegetables- Like Honey Glazed Carrots (One Pot or Oven Roasted Asparagus (One Pan)
• Green beans- These are always a great choice, especially when you turn them into something extra like Sauteed Green Beans (One Pot) or Green Beans with Bacon (One Pot).

Tips for healthy chicken and rice recipe:

• The rice you use in this recipe must be uncooked- Because if you used cooked rice, they will become soggy and kind of like a mushy paste.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning- Based on your preference.
• Any seasoning of your choice can be replaced with Cajun seasoning- Including Italian, Mexican, Indian curry, etc.
• Cilantro really takes this meal over the top- Because it adds a wonderful flavor and aroma. Don't omit it!
• Use low sodium broth- To prevent the meal from becoming too salty.
• Chicken broth can be replaced with vegetable broth- Don't use beef broth, though, because the flavor wasn't too good.

Recipe FAQs

Storage

• Make ahead- This can be made up to 2 days before serving if kept in a sealed container in the fridge. Reheat and serve when ready.
• Refrigerate- Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freeze- Place in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw, reheat, and serve.
• Reheat- Use a microwave or place in a pot on the stovetop to warm up to desired temperature.

More easy chicken recipes:

• Cashew Chicken (One Pot)
• Chili Lime Chicken (One Pan)
• Easy Pineapple Chicken (One Pot)
• Crockpot Orange Chicken
• Oven Roasted Chicken and Vegetables (One Pan)

Recipe