Print

One Pot Chicken and Rice Pilaf Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This one-pot chicken and rice pilaf is a hearty, flavorful meal with tender chicken, aromatic rice, and a blend of warm spices. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners!

Ingredients

Scale
For the Chicken:
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Rice Pilaf:

 

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or oregano)
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds or toasted pine nuts (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Sear the Chicken:

    • Season chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
    • Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
    • Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
  • Sauté Aromatics & Toast Rice:

    • In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onion until soft (about 3 minutes).
    • Add garlic, cumin, thyme, and turmeric and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
    • Stir in rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Simmer the Pilaf:

    • Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
    • Nestle the chicken back into the pan.
    • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Finish & Serve:

    • Stir in peas and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
    • Fluff rice with a fork and garnish with almonds, parsley, or cilantro.

 

  • Enjoy!

    • Serve warm with a side of yogurt, salad, or naan bread.

Notes

  • For extra richness, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end.
  • Make it spicy with a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
  • Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different variation.