One Pot Chicken and Rice: An Easy Family Dinner

It's often the simplest recipes that become family favorites. Instead of juggling several pots and pans, you can cook everything together in one pot and end up with a complete, satisfying meal everyone will enjoy. The secret to this recipe is that the rice cooks alongside the chicken, soaking up all the rich flavors as it simmers. The result is a fragrant, comforting dish that's easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.

One Pot Chicken and Rice

Ingredients

• 6 chicken drumsticks or bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 cups jasmine rice or Persian rice, rinsed and drained
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 cups boiling water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Chopped fresh parsley, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pot over medium heat.

Add the onion and cook for about 4 minutes, until softened and lightly golden.

Stir in the garlic, grated carrot, and bell pepper, and cook for another minute.

Add the chicken and brown it on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Sprinkle in the spices and stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables.

Add the rinsed rice and gently stir for about a minute.

Pour in the boiling water and bring everything to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

Turn off the heat and let the pot rest, covered, for 10 minutes before serving.

Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Easy Add-Ins

For extra flavor and texture, try adding:

• Frozen peas
• Cooked chickpeas
• Toasted almonds
• Raisins
• Sliced fresh mushrooms
• Crispy fried onions

Tip

Avoid stirring the rice while it's cooking. Leaving it undisturbed helps the rice stay light and fluffy.