This one pot chicken and rice dinner is healthy, high protein, and gluten free. And, because it’s a one pot dinner, it makes for super easy clean up. I guarantee your family will be asking for this easy dinner again and again.

chicken and rice recipe, one pot dinner, one pot chicken and rice

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Dinner

One pot meals are my favorite because as the name suggests – everything is done in one pot. This not only makes meal prep super easy, but it also makes clean up a breeze! Here’s why you’ll love this chicken and rice dinner…

Easy to Make. Because everything is cooked in one pot, it makes for a super easy dinner that can be prepped in minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
Gluten Free. For those of you who are gluten free (like myself), you can still enjoy this cozy, comforting meal as it’s naturally gluten free – no gluten free alternatives necessary.
Budget Friendly. Other than the chicken breasts, the ingredients in this one pot dinner are very affordable. And, to stretch your money even more, you can add less chicken and it’ll still be a filling dish.
Family Meal. This one pot meal is great for feeding the whole family. It’s a “safe” dish that most people love. It’s also ensures you’re getting in protein, carbs, fats, and veggies – all in my meal.
Weekly Prep. This chicken and rice recipe reheats very well. I just add a splash of water to bring back the moisture and either reheat it on the stove top or pop it in the microwave.

Chicken and Rice Ingredients

You may already have all the ingredients to make this classic chicken and rice dinner.

Chicken Breasts. I like to use chicken breasts in this chicken and rice recipe. However, you can also use chicken thighs, which is usually cheaper and still very flavorful.
Rice. Long grain rice is best with this recipe. Jasmine rice is a great long grain option that cooks up really nicely. Don’t use instant rice.
Vegetable Blend. Keeping this recipe a classic, I use a blend chopped yellow onion, celery, and carrots. And, don’t forget to add some minced garlic for extra flavor.
Spices. To season the chicken, I use a blend of sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley.
Chicken Broth. Instead of using water to cook the rice, I use chicken broth to add even more flavor.
Butter. Once it’s all cooked up, stir in some grass-fed butter for a flavor boost and healthy fats.

How To Make One Pot Chicken and Rice

This one pot dinner is probably one of the easiest meals you’ll make. Here’s how to make it.

Step 1 – Chop everything up. Cut the chicken into small bite-size pieces and chop the vegetables as well.
Step 2 – Cook the chicken. Season the chicken first then add some avocado oil to your pot and cook up the chicken first before adding the other ingredients.
Step 3 – Saute the vegetables. Once the chicken is fully cooked through, add the vegetables and minced garlic and saute until a bit softened and fragrant.
Step 4 – Cook the rice. Add the rice and broth and let it simmer until all of the broth is fully absorbed and it’s extra creamy.
Step 5 – Add butter and enjoy. Once the dish is ready, top it off with some grass-fed butter for a flavor boost and enjoy!

Tips and Substitutions

Chicken options. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more savory (and usually cheaper) option. Or, for an even quicker meal, use shredded rotisserie chicken and just stir it in at the end.
Vegetable Substitutes. Feel free to swap out any of the vegetables. You can use peas, bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, and even corn in this chicken and rice recipe. This recipe is very flexible and forgiving.
Vegetarian option. Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable and the chicken breasts for tofu to make this one pot dinner vegan and vegetarian friendly. You can also substitute the butter with a vegan butter or leave it out altogether.
Extra Herbs. For even more flavor, try adding in other herbs, such as thyme and rosemary.
Brown Rice. If you want to substitute the white rice with brown rice, you’ll need to add more chicken broth and let it simmer a bit longer until it’s soft.

What To Serve With Chicken and Rice

This one pot meal is usually served as the main dish and paired with a healthy side. Here are a few ideas for you.

Gluten Free Bread. Toast up some of my gluten free bread with butter and have it as a side to this meal.
Side Salad. Add a boost of fiber and greens as a side for a healthy twist.
Hearty Salad. Or, serve it with a more hearty salad, such as my Winter Salad with Maple Vinaigrette.
Roasted Vegetables. Roast up some asparagus, brussels sprouts, or carrots for a hearty side.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerator. This one pot chicken and rice will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days making it great for meal prep.
Freezer. Rice dishes usually don’t freezer well as the rice becomes very mushy and the texture changes.
Reheating. Always add a splash of water when reheating any rice-based dish and as rice soaks up lots of moisture. Reheat in a pan on the stovetop, in the oven on the lowest setting, or in the microwave.

More Healthy One Pot Meals

If you’re on the search for more one pot meals that are healthy and gluten free, here are a few of my favorites.