Hey y'all! Looking for a wholesome, hearty meal that's both nourishing and super simple to whip up? This Healthier Chicken & Rice One-Pot is your go-to dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, delivering juicy Chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh veggies—all in one pot with minimal cleanup. Packed with flavor and designed to keep things light, it's a crowd-pleaser that's equally perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- One-pot convenience makes prep and cleanup a breeze.
- Lighter ingredients reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfectly balanced with lean protein, hearty grains, and fresh veggies.
- Customizable to fit your favorite herbs and add-ins.
- Ideal for meal prep—reheats beautifully for lunches.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless Chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice, rinsed
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add the chicken pieces.
- Sauté chicken for 3–4 minutes until lightly golden (it will finish cooking later).
Step 2: Add the Veggies and Spices
- Mix in diced carrots and bell pepper, stirring for another 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle in smoked paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt, tossing everything together.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
- Pour the rinsed rice into the pot, then add the chicken broth; stir well to combine.
- Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, and cover tightly with a lid.
- Simmer for 35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Stir in frozen peas and lemon juice, then cover again and let sit off the heat for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm!
Notes
- Rinsing the rice improves texture and prevents clumping.
- If you like a little heat, add ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper alongside other spices.
- For extra moisture, add an additional splash of broth before serving if rice seems dry.
Variations
- Mexican-Inspired: Replace peas with black beans and add ½ teaspoon cumin, serve with fresh cilantro.
- Greek Style: Stir in spinach and kalamata olives, finish with crumbled feta cheese.
- Vegan Option: Swap chicken for chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
Required Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or deep, heavy-bottomed skillet with lid
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Storage Instructions
- Cool leftovers completely before transferring to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep rice moist.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for extra veggies.
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki for a creamy finish.
- Enjoy with warm whole grain pita or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Pro Tips
- Cut chicken and veggies uniformly for even cooking and the best texture.
- Don’t lift the lid while the rice is cooking—trapped steam is key for perfect fluffiness.
- Letting the one-pot rest off heat before fluffing keeps rice tender and non-sticky.
FAQ
Can I use white rice instead of brown?
Yes! White rice cooks faster—reduce total simmering time to about 18–20 minutes.
Can I freeze Healthier Chicken & Rice One-Pot?
Absolutely. Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as written—just double-check your broth label to be sure.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup brown rice, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned.
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2Stir in chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the vegetables begin to soften.
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3Add the brown rice, broccoli florets, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
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4Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
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5Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot. Enjoy your healthier chicken & rice one-pot meal.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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