This one-pot garlic chicken and rice is an easy, flavorful, and comforting dinner made with tender chicken thighs, fragrant garlic, and perfectly seasoned rice, all cooked together in one dish for minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
There’s something so comforting about one-pot meals, isn’t there? You toss everything together, let the oven work its magic, and before you know it, you’ve got a wholesome dinner ready to enjoy. This one-pot garlic chicken and rice recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
The chicken turns out golden and juicy, the rice soaks up all that rich, garlicky flavor, and the herbs make the whole kitchen smell amazing. It’s the perfect combination of hearty, simple, and satisfying. And the best part? You only have one dish to wash!
If you’re a fan of easy comfort food that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, this one-pot garlic chicken and rice recipe is going to become one of your favorites. If you love this kind of simple cooking, don’t miss my One Pot Chicken and Rice, it’s another cozy classic that always hits the spot.
Table of contents
Main Ingredients for One-Pot Garlic Chicken and Rice
Here’s what makes this one-pot garlic chicken and rice so irresistible. Each ingredient brings its own special touch to create a meal that’s both balanced and bursting with flavor.
- Chicken thighs (800g, bone-in): These add incredible depth and juiciness. Bone-in thighs stay moist and tender while baking. If you prefer smoky, outdoor flavors, try my Pellet Grill Chicken Thighs for a weekend cookout version.
- Olive oil (2 tsp): Helps the spices stick to the chicken and gives a subtle richness.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Adds warmth and color. Try smoked paprika for a slightly deeper flavor.
- Cumin (1 tsp): Offers a gentle earthiness that complements the garlic perfectly.
- White rice (1½ cups): The rice cooks right in the same dish, absorbing all the savory juices from the chicken.
- Garlic (3 cloves, crushed): The star of the show! Fresh garlic brings out a bold aroma and flavor that defines this dish.
- Spring onion (1, finely sliced): Adds freshness and a bit of crunch.
- Red capsicum (1, finely diced): Gives the dish color and a touch of sweetness.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (2 Tbsp, finely chopped): A flavor booster that adds a tangy, umami punch.
- Dried mixed herbs (1 tsp): An easy way to bring in layers of flavor. Italian or Mediterranean herb blends work beautifully.
- Stock cubes (2 vegetable or chicken): Dissolved in boiling water, they infuse the rice with savory goodness.
- Boiling water (2½ cups): The liquid that cooks your rice and carries the flavor throughout.
- Fresh parsley (2 Tbsp, chopped): A bright, green finishing touch that balances the richness of the dish.
All these simple ingredients come together to create a meal that’s comforting yet elegant, perfect for both busy weeknights and lazy Sundays.
Additional Ingredients and Substitutions
One of the things I love about one-pot garlic chicken and rice is how flexible it is. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you’ve got in the fridge or what you’re craving that day.
- Chicken: Boneless thighs or even chicken drumsticks work great. If you prefer white meat, use chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time a little so they don’t dry out.
- Rice: You can use jasmine or basmati rice for a lighter, fragrant version. Avoid brown rice unless you adjust the liquid and cooking time.
- Vegetables: Feel free to toss in peas, corn, mushrooms, or spinach. This dish welcomes variety!
- Stock: A homemade broth or low-sodium store-bought stock makes it even more flavorful.
- Spices: Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a bit of heat. If spicy-sweet combos are your thing, try my Honey Sriracha Chicken, it’s sticky, fiery, and full of flavor.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil can be lovely additions if you have them on hand.
Cooking is all about comfort and creativity. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own, you can’t go wrong when you’re cooking from the heart.
Expert Tips for Perfect One-Pot Garlic Chicken and Rice
To make your one-pot garlic chicken and rice turn out perfect every single time, here are a few tried-and-true tips I’ve learned along the way.
- Choose the right pan
A large oven-safe baking dish or deep skillet works best. You’ll want enough space for the chicken to sit comfortably on top of the rice without overcrowding. - Season the chicken generously
Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and spices. This seasoning doesn’t just flavor the chicken, it seeps into the rice as it cooks, infusing every bite with delicious depth.
. - Cover tightly when baking
During the first 30 minutes, make sure your dish is sealed well with foil or a lid. This traps the steam inside, helping the rice cook evenly and stay fluffy. - Uncover for golden perfection
The last half hour of baking is where the magic happens. The chicken turns golden, and the top layer of rice gets slightly crispy, so satisfying! - Let it rest before serving
Once it’s out of the oven, resist diving in right away. Let it sit covered for 5–10 minutes. This helps the moisture redistribute, keeping both chicken and rice tender. - Add a fresh touch
A sprinkle of chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens the entire dish. - Pair it right
Serve your one-pot garlic chicken and rice with a side of steamed greens, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal. - Store and reheat with care
Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven with a splash of stock or water to keep the rice from drying out.
When you follow these tips, your one-pot garlic chicken and rice will taste just as amazing as it smells, and believe me, that’s saying something!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan bake).
- Season the chicken: Coat the chicken thighs with olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let them sit while you prep the other ingredients.
- Prepare the base: In a large baking dish, combine the rice, garlic, spring onion, red capsicum, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried herbs.
- Add the stock: Dissolve your stock cubes in boiling water. Pour the liquid into the dish and stir to mix everything evenly.
- Arrange the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture.
- Bake covered: Seal the dish with foil or a lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the cover and continue baking for another 30 minutes until the chicken is golden and the rice tender.
- Garnish and serve: Top with chopped parsley and serve warm with a side of steamed greens or a light salad.
It’s that easy, minimal effort, maximum flavor!
Additional Guide: Variations and Creative Twists
Once you’ve mastered the classic one-pot garlic chicken and rice, try playing around with different versions to keep things exciting.
- Mediterranean Style: Add olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano for a bright, tangy twist.
- Spicy Cajun Version: Swap paprika for Cajun seasoning and toss in some sliced sausage for extra heat and flavor. Or, take it a step further and try my One-Pot Chicken and Dirty Rice, a Cajun-inspired favorite with bold southern flavors.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add lemon zest to the rice and drizzle with lemon juice before baking for a lighter, citrusy flavor.
- Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk during the last 10 minutes of baking for a richer texture.
- Caribbean-Inspired: If you love deep, slow-cooked flavors, you’ll fall for my Brown Stew Chicken, it’s rich, tender, and full of island comfort.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable stock for a delicious plant-based meal.
This dish is endlessly adaptable, whatever your mood or pantry situation, there’s a version that will work beautifully.
FAQs About One-Pot Garlic Chicken and Rice
Can I make this dish on the stovetop instead of the oven?
Absolutely! After combining the ingredients, bring everything to a simmer on the stove, cover, and cook over low heat until the rice and chicken are fully cooked.
What can I serve with it?
This one-pot garlic chicken and rice pairs perfectly with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple yogurt sauce on the side.
Conclusion
There you have it, an easy, hearty, and deeply satisfying one-pot garlic chicken and rice recipe that’s perfect for busy evenings or lazy weekends. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, drawn by that irresistible smell of garlic, herbs, and perfectly cooked chicken.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, this meal delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. So grab your favorite baking dish, pour yourself a cup of something cozy, and let the oven do the work.
Good food doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs to be made with love. And trust me, this one-pot garlic chicken and rice is full of it.
One-Pot Garlic Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- Large baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Tin foil or lid
Ingredients
- 800 g bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 ½ cups white rice
- 3 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 spring onion finely sliced
- 1 red capsicum finely diced
- 2 Tbsp sun-dried tomatoes finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
- 2 vegetable or chicken stock cubes
- 2 ½ cups boiling water
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan bake).
- Coat the chicken thighs in olive oil, paprika, and cumin. Season well with salt and pepper, then set aside.
- Add the rice, garlic, spring onion, capsicum, sun-dried tomatoes, and mixed herbs to a large baking dish.
- Dissolve the stock cubes in a jug with boiling water. Pour into the baking dish and mix everything together until well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice and season again with salt and pepper. Cover tightly with tin foil or a lid.
- Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes, until the chicken is golden and the rice is fully cooked.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a side of steamed greens.