This easy chicken rice dinner is a simple, comforting meal for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, colourful vegetables, and flavorful seasonings cook together in one pan for an easy homemade dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe works well for family dinners, meal prep, or those nights when you need something quick and filling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- One-pan meal
- Simple ingredients
- Tender chicken
- Fluffy, flavorful rice
- Family-friendly
- Budget-friendly
- Minimal cleanup
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Optional:
- ½ cup corn
- Lemon wedges
- Shredded Parmesan
- Red pepper flakes
How to Make Easy Chicken Rice
1. Season the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl.
Add paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned.
The chicken does not need to cook completely at this stage.
Transfer it to a plate.
3. Cook the Vegetables
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the same skillet.
Cook for about 3 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add the Rice
Stir the uncooked rice into the skillet.
Cook for about 1 minute while stirring.
Add the chicken broth and frozen peas and carrots.
Stir everything together.
5. Simmer
Return the chicken to the skillet.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low and cover.
Cook for about 18 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Avoid lifting the lid too often while the rice cooks.
6. Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat and let the skillet sit covered for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork.
Top with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Rice
Use long-grain rice for fluffy results.
Keep the lid closed while the rice cooks.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Add extra vegetables for a more filling meal.
Easy Variations
Cheesy Chicken Rice
Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese after cooking.
Mexican-Style Chicken Rice
Add cumin, chili powder, corn, black beans, and salsa.
Lemon Herb Chicken Rice
Add lemon juice, parsley, oregano, and extra black pepper.
Spicy Chicken Rice
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Vegetable Chicken Rice
Add broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, or extra peas and carrots.
What to Serve With It
This one-pan dinner works well on its own. You could also serve it with:
- Green salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Cucumber salad
- Fresh fruit
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or skillet.
Add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating if the rice feels dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rice should I use?
Long-grain white rice works well for this recipe. Brown rice needs a different cooking time and liquid ratio.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless chicken thighs work well and add extra flavor.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Peas, carrots, corn, broccoli, mushrooms, and bell peppers all work well.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes. Divide the cooked chicken and rice into meal-prep containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6
Category: Dinner
Method: One Pan
Final Thoughts
This easy chicken rice dinner gives you tender chicken, fluffy seasoned rice, and vegetables in one skillet.
It is simple, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Save this recipe to your Easy Rice Dinner or Quick & Easy Dinner board for your next family meal.