Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipes for Ultimate Comfort

Published on: November 16, 2025

Close-up of a rustic cast iron pan filled with golden chicken and rice, featuring pineapple chunks and a wooden spoon, inspiring delicious chicken and rice recipes.

Welcome to the ultimate comfort food! Classic chicken and rice is a timeless dish cherished for its warmth and heartiness. This recipe brings you the beloved flavors you crave, but with the added convenience of a single pot. Forget endless cleanup; this easy one-pot chicken and rice recipe delivers deliciousness with minimal fuss, perfect for any busy weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll find many reasons to adore this simple approach to chicken and rice recipes:

Simple Pantry Staples: Most ingredients are likely already in your kitchen.
Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, making after-dinner chores a breeze.
Hearty and Satisfying: It’s a complete meal that truly fills you up.
Customizable for Taste: Easily adjust seasonings and add-ins to suit your family’s preferences.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Quick prep and straightforward cooking make it ideal when time is short.
Pure Comfort in Every Bite: This dish warms you from the inside out, making it a true family favorite.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a delicious one-pot meal:

6 cups water
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 pound frozen boneless, skinless chicken tenders
3 celery ribs, roughly chopped
1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (Carolina Gold or any long-grain white rice)
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
Freshly ground black pepper, optional

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this classic chicken and rice recipe to fit your pantry and preferences. For chicken, fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well; just adjust cooking time until cooked through. Feel free to use brown or wild rice, but note that cooking times and liquid amounts will need adjustment. Enhance flavor with minced garlic, a bay leaf, or a pinch of dried thyme. If you do not have cream of chicken soup, combine milk and broth with a tablespoon of flour for a similar creamy base. Add extra vegetables like diced carrots, frozen peas, or chopped bell peppers for more color and nutrition.

Equipment

Gathering your equipment before you begin ensures a smooth cooking process. You will need:

A Dutch oven or a large, oven-safe pot with a lid
Kitchen tongs for handling chicken
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your delicious one-pot chicken and rice recipes:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Cook the chicken: Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in your Dutch oven or large, oven-safe pot over high heat. Add the salt, then carefully add the frozen chicken tenders. Boil, uncovered, until the chicken is mostly cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Add the vegetables: Add the chopped celery and onion to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and cook until the vegetables are mostly tender, about another 10 minutes.
Cook the rice: Use tongs to remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside on a cutting board or plate. Add the long-grain white rice to the pot with the water and vegetables. Cover the pot again and simmer until the rice is fully cooked through and the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. While the rice cooks, shred the cooled chicken into bite-size pieces using two forks or your hands.
Combine ingredients: Remove the pot from the heat. Gently stir the rice to ensure all the liquid has incorporated. If the rice looks watery, you can carefully drain any excess liquid before proceeding. Stir in the shredded chicken and the can of condensed cream of chicken soup until well combined. Taste the mixture and add more salt if needed. Smooth the mixture into an even layer in the pot. This makes for a wonderful one-pot chicken and rice.
Bake: Place the uncovered pot in the preheated oven. Bake until the top is set and lightly golden, about 30 minutes.
Broil for a crispy top (optional): For a delicious, golden-brown crust, broil the dish for 2 to 4 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper, if desired.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Making the perfect chicken and rice is simple with a few smart techniques.

Prep ahead: Chop your vegetables while the chicken boils to save time.
Don’t overcook chicken: Remove the chicken once mostly cooked to prevent dryness. It will finish cooking in the oven. According to the USDA, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Check rice doneness: Taste a small amount of rice to ensure it’s tender before combining.
Adjust liquid for rice: If your rice seems too watery after cooking, simply drain the excess liquid. If it’s too dry, add a splash of hot water or broth before baking.
Achieve a golden, crispy top: Broiling for a few minutes adds fantastic texture and color, but watch it closely.

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong rice type: Stick to long-grain white rice for best results, as other types require different liquid ratios and cooking times. Long-grain white rice is often chosen for its quick cooking time and ease of digestion.
Incorrect water-to-rice ratio: Following the recipe’s liquid amount is crucial for perfectly cooked rice.
Not shredding chicken finely: Ensure chicken is in small, even pieces for easy mixing and eating.
Over-stirring the rice: Too much stirring can break down rice grains, leading to a gummy texture.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile dish is perfect for family meals or meal prepping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty dish piping hot, right from the pot.
Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette for balance.
A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any creamy sauce.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate any leftovers promptly in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth, or microwave until warmed through.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your chicken and rice recipes!

Add different spices: Incorporate paprika for color, a pinch of cayenne for heat, or curry powder for an exotic twist.
Include other vegetables: Sauté sliced mushrooms, add frozen corn, or mix in diced bell peppers with the onion and celery.
Add cheese for richness: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese before baking for extra creaminess.
Experiment with different condensed soups: Try cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for different flavor profiles.
Include sausage or ham for flavor: Diced cooked sausage or ham can add a savory depth.
Top with crispy fried onions: A sprinkling of store-bought crispy fried onions adds a delightful crunch after baking.

Nutrition

This easy one-pot chicken and rice dish offers a satisfying balance of macronutrients, making it a wholesome meal. Each serving provides a good source of protein, along with carbohydrates for energy.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	263
Fat Content	6g
Carbohydrate Content	36g
Protein Content	16g
Saturated Fat Content	2g
Cholesterol Content	41mg
Sodium Content	476mg
Fiber Content	1g
Sugar Content	2g
Vitamin C	2mg
Calcium	30mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	237mg

Estimates are per serving and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.

FAQ

Q: Can I use fresh chicken in this easy one-pot chicken and rice recipe?
A: Absolutely! Fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. Just ensure they are cooked through during the initial boiling step.
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: This specific recipe is designed for stovetop and oven, but you can find other Instant Pot chicken and rice recipes with adjusted liquid and pressure cooking times.
Q: How do I prevent gummy rice?
A: Use long-grain white rice, avoid over-stirring it, and ensure you use the correct water-to-rice ratio. Draining excess liquid before adding the soup also helps.
Q: Can other long-grain rice types be used?
A: Yes, other long-grain white rice varieties will work similarly to Carolina Gold, but always check for doneness as slight variations can occur.
Q: What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
A: You can create a similar creamy base by combining milk, chicken broth, and a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch.
Q: Can I bake this in a 9×13 pan?
A: Yes, after the stovetop portion, transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish for the oven step.

Conclusion

This easy one-pot chicken and rice recipe truly simplifies mealtime without sacrificing flavor. It embodies comfort food at its best, offering a hearty and satisfying dish that appeals to everyone. With minimal cleanup and straightforward steps, it is the perfect solution for busy parents and beginners alike. We encourage you to try this delightful twist on classic chicken and rice recipes and make it a staple in your kitchen! Enjoy!