Quick and Easy Healthy One Pot Chicken and Rice Meal

Introduction

A wholesome one pot meal keeps the kitchen mess at bay while delivering comfort and nutrition in every spoonful. This Quick and Easy Healthy One Pot Chicken and Rice Meal is the go-to choice for busy weeknights. It boasts satisfying flavor, is packed with lean protein and veggies, and rests on a bed of perfectly fluffy rice—all achieved with simple prepping and minimal cleanup.

Whether you’re looking for a stress-free family dinner or a meal prep option that reheats beautifully, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that doesn’t compromise on health or taste.

Why Make This One Pot Chicken and Rice?

This chicken and rice dish delivers a complete meal in just one pot, which means you’ll spend less time doing dishes and more time enjoying a hot, satisfying dinner. The dish is endlessly customizable—use whatever veggies you have on hand—and ready in about 30 minutes. Each bite brings together tender chicken, aromatic rice, and a medley of vegetables that soaks up every bit of savory flavor.

Ingredient Preparation: Tricks for Quick Chopping

Prepping vegetables quickly is key to the fast pace of this recipe. Make your life easier—and your prep faster—by dicing your onions, carrots, and bell peppers using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. This ensures even cuts for consistent cooking and saves precious minutes in the kitchen.

Cut your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-size pieces on a Bamboo Cutting Board to keep the process neat and efficient, and separate your prepped ingredients for easy assembly.

Cooking the Chicken and Rice All in One Pan

Start by searing the chicken with a touch of olive oil in a quality nonstick skillet, such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch. This ensures golden, flavorful chicken pieces. Next, sauté your prepped vegetables to enhance their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, add your rinsed rice and broth, bringing everything to a simmer so flavors meld and rice cooks to tender perfection.

Serving, Storing, and Meal Prep Tips

This dish is meal-prep friendly. Portion leftovers into airtight containers like Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for fridge or freezer storage, ensuring fresh, flavorful lunches all week long.

For a complete meal on-the-go, transfer your serving into the sturdy, leak-proof Bentgo Salad Container. Pair with a side salad, and you have a lunch that’s as enjoyable at your desk as it is at home.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This One Pot Chicken and Rice Meal serves four generous portions. Each serving contains about 370–420 calories (depending on your veggie and rice choices), is high in protein and fiber, and lower in saturated fat compared to classic casseroles.

Quick and Easy Healthy One Pot Chicken and Rice Meal (Recap)

Delivering well-balanced nutrition, big flavor, and less mess, this meal is an easy weeknight win. It’s adaptable to your preferences and perfect for batch cooking—a practical, delicious way to enjoy clean eating.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with half the salt and pepper. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until chicken is browned but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Sauté 4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add rice, thyme, oregano, remaining salt and pepper. Stir until the rice is well coated with oil and spices.
4. Return the chicken to the pot, along with any juices released. Pour in chicken broth and bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover tightly and cook on low for 13–15 minutes (white rice) or 25–30 minutes (brown rice), until the rice is tender and broth absorbed.
5. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, fold in frozen peas and allow to warm through.
6. Remove from heat, let rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for a bright finish.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of this top-tier one pot meal, featuring easy cleanup, balanced nutrition, and adaptable flavor!