One-Pot Chicken and Rice — The Ultimate Comfort Meal Recipe
This One-Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is the ultimate comfort meal combining tender chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a blend of aromatic spices. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that cooks all in one pot, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal any time.
- Author: Leo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
- Heat and sauté onion: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes golden and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add garlic and spices: Add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, and ½ teaspoon turmeric to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant, stirring continuously to blend the spices well.
- Brown the chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.
- Stir in the rice: Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot and stir to coat the rice grains evenly with the spices and oil, mixing thoroughly with the chicken and onion mixture.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken and rice to cook through and absorb the flavors.
- Add peas: About 5 minutes before the cooking time ends, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas. Cover again and cook until the peas are heated through and tender.
- Fluff and garnish: Remove the pot from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving to add a bright touch and fresh aroma.
Notes
- Rinsing the basmati rice helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of saffron or a bay leaf while simmering.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
- For a spicier kick, add a chopped chili with the garlic and spices.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: one-pot chicken rice, comfort food, easy dinner, basmati rice recipe, chicken and peas, stovetop meal, simple chicken dinner