One-Pot Healthy Chicken Rice (Printable)

Wholesome chicken, vegetables, and rice combined in a comforting one-pot meal.

# What You Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup baby spinach or kale, chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

→ Grains

08 - 2/3 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

→ Liquids

09 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1 bay leaf
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 3/4 teaspoon salt
15 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

→ Fats

16 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned on the surface.
04 - Add rinsed rice, dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
06 - Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
07 - Check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley. Remove bay leaf.
08 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-pot cooking means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience
  • Ready in just 50 minutes from start to finish
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free to accommodate various dietary needs
  • Packed with protein, vegetables, and whole grains for a balanced meal
  • Budget-friendly ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store
  • Makes 6 generous servings, perfect for family dinners or meal prep
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld together
02 -
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth so you can control the salt level yourself
  • Add the lemon juice at the end to preserve its bright, fresh flavor
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
  • Freeze portions without the rice for best texture, then add cooked rice when reheating
  • Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy future meal
  • Always check chicken broth labels if you have celiac disease, as some brands contain gluten
  • For the most tender chicken, avoid overcooking—it continues to cook in the hot broth even after you turn off the heat
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