One Pot Chicken Rice: Easy 30-Min Dinner

August 4, 2025

One Pot Chicken Rice has been my absolute go-to for those chaotic weeknights when dinner feels like a mountain to climb. This particular recipe, an easy one pot chicken and rice dish featuring black beans and roasted corn, is a game-changer. It’s incredibly simple, meaning less time stressing and more time enjoying a delicious meal. The combination of savory chicken, tender rice, hearty beans, and sweet corn creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to beat. Let’s get this deliciousness cooking!

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken Rice

This simple chicken rice recipe one pot is a weeknight warrior, and here’s why I think you’ll adore it:

Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash.
Quick Preparation: It’s a truly quick one pot chicken rice dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes total.
Incredible Flavor: The salsa verde, green chiles, and seasoned chicken create a wonderfully savory taste.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love this comforting blend of chicken, rice, and beans.
Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite toppings or a different cheese.
Hearty and Filling: It’s a complete meal that satisfies without being too heavy.
Effortless: You can truly “dump and go” with most of the ingredients.

Ingredients for One Pot Chicken Rice

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this savory one pot chicken rice. You’ll need:

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken – for a head start on flavor and ease
1 cup yellow onion, diced – the aromatic base
3 garlic cloves, minced – essential for that punchy flavor
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – to sauté the aromatics
15.5 ounces salsa verde – this is key for moisture and a tangy kick
1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles – adds a mild heat and depth
1 cup white long-grain rice – the star that absorbs all the deliciousness
2 cups chicken broth – liquid gold for cooking the rice perfectly
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – for that creamy, melty finish
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained – they add texture and protein
1/2 cup roasted corn – for a touch of sweetness and smokiness
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
A dash of black pepper – the spice blend that ties it all together
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro – for a fresh garnish
Optional toppings: avocado slices, red pepper flakes

How to Make One Pot Chicken Rice

This recipe makes it so easy to create an effortless chicken rice in one pot, perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to get a flavorful meal on the table with minimal fuss.

Step 1: Start by heating 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the 1 cup diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and wonderfully fragrant.
Step 3: While the aromatics are cooking, grab a small bowl and combine 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a dash of black pepper. This is your flavor powerhouse!
Step 4: Sprinkle this seasoning mix directly over the softened onions and garlic in the pan. Stir everything together well to coat the aromatics.
Step 5: Now comes the fun part – add the 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained), 1/2 cup roasted corn, 1 can diced green chiles, 2 cups chicken broth, and the 15.5 ounces salsa verde. Give it all a good stir to combine everything beautifully.
Step 6: Stir in the 1 cup white long-grain rice. Make sure all the rice is submerged in the liquid.
Step 7: Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 8: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan tightly with a lid, and let it simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens, making it a true dump and go chicken rice recipe.
Step 9: After 15 minutes, carefully lift the lid to check if the rice is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid. If it’s still a bit firm or there’s too much liquid, cover it again and cook for a few more minutes until it’s tender and perfect.
Step 10: Once the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, turn off the heat.
Step 11: Sprinkle the 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the dish. Cover the pan again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a glorious, gooey layer.
Step 12: Finally, garnish with 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro. Add optional avocado slices or red pepper flakes if you like! Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, homemade chicken and rice.

Pro Tips for the Best One Pot Chicken Rice

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really elevate this dish from good to absolutely amazing. Follow these tips for the perfect result every time!

Always use long-grain white rice; it absorbs the liquid beautifully without getting gummy.
Don’t skip the resting time after cooking! Letting the dish sit covered for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld and the rice to finish steaming.
Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here, but you can also cook chicken breasts or thighs separately and shred them if you prefer.

What’s the secret to perfect One Pot Chicken Rice?

The real secret to perfect one pot chicken rice is the liquid-to-rice ratio and not disturbing it too much while it simmers. This ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all those delicious flavors, making it the best way to cook chicken rice one pot.

Can I make this One Pot Chicken Rice ahead of time?

Yes! You can totally prep the ingredients ahead of time. Dice your onions and mince your garlic up to two days in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. You can even rinse your rice and beans. This makes the actual cooking process even faster.

How do I avoid common mistakes with One Pot Chicken Rice?

The most common mistake is ending up with mushy rice. To avoid why is my one pot chicken rice mushy, make sure you’re using the correct liquid-to-rice ratio and don’t lift the lid too often while it’s simmering. Also, ensure your heat is on low to prevent scorching the bottom.

Best Ways to Serve One Pot Chicken Rice

This flavorful one pot chicken and rice is so versatile, making it a joy to serve. It’s a complete meal on its own, but I love pairing it with a few simple additions to round out the meal.

For a refreshing contrast, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. The cool, crisp greens cut through the richness of the chicken and rice beautifully. Alternatively, a side of crusty bread is always a winner if you want something to soak up any extra deliciousness from the pot. I’ve also found that a simple dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheese on top makes it even more decadent.

Nutrition Facts for One Pot Chicken Rice

Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for this delicious one pot chicken rice, per serving:

Calories: 450 kcal
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 32g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat One Pot Chicken Rice

The beauty of this healthy one pot chicken rice recipe extends to its storage and reheating convenience, making it perfect for meal prep. Once your delicious chicken and rice has cooled down, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions of this one pot chicken rice for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating is just as simple! For individual portions, the microwave is usually the quickest option. Just pop it in, cover loosely, and heat until warmed through, stirring halfway. If you’re reheating a larger batch, the stovetop is a great method. Place the leftover chicken and rice in a skillet with a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth, cover, and heat gently over low heat until everything is heated through. This keeps the rice from drying out.

Variations of One Pot Chicken Rice You Can Try

This versatile dish is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists! If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few ideas for making your one pot chicken rice even more exciting.

Creamy One Pot Chicken Rice: For an extra decadent version, stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream along with the cheese at the end. It creates a wonderfully creamy one pot chicken rice that’s pure comfort.
Vegetarian Delight: Easily make this a vegetarian meal by swapping out the chicken for extra black beans, chickpeas, or even cubed firm tofu. This makes for a hearty and satisfying meatless option.
Baked Version: Instead of simmering on the stovetop, assemble the ingredients in a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed. This method gives you a different texture and can feel more hands-off.
Spicy Fiesta: Amp up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using a spicier salsa verde. You could also stir in some diced jalapeños with the onions and garlic for an extra kick.