This fantastic one-pot chicken, rice, and vegetable dinner is perfect for your busy weeknights. Serve your family a delicious homemade meal cooked in less than 20 minutes and only four easy steps.
You need more one-pot dinners in your life, like this easy Bosnian one-pan chicken and rice with vegetables. This recipe is made all over the world, with countless variations on the theme.
Throw everything into one pot and call it a day. What's not to like?
Plus, this dinner is gluten-free, packed full of veggies, and perfect for kids who love American-style chicken and rice but need some variety for their health and yours!
I'm really all about easy yet delicious meals. Also, these quick one-pot dishes are especially favorable when they can stretch to feed a crowd.
Ingredients for one-pot chicken rice:
You don’t need too much - and the ingredients are all pretty standard, so chances are that you have at least some of them already!
See? It looks like a lot, but you probably already have most of it, and all the ingredients are cheap, so it isn’t as bad as it looks!
You might also notice that there are a few fewer herbs and spices - that’s because this recipe is intended to be pretty light and simple. However, if you want to spice things up, then go for it!
Ingredient and Recipe Notes:
1. CHICKEN BROTH OR STOCK?
What's the difference?
- Stock is made by primarily simmering the bones and vegetables for a long time.
- The broth is made by cooking the meat, possibly bones, and vegetables.
- Bone broth is a hybrid of broth and stock.
2. CAN I USE CHICKEN BREAST INSTEAD OF THIGHS?
Chicken thighs offer more flavor, but you can make it with chicken breast or turkey meat too if that's your preference.
3. CAN I MAKE IT VEGETARIAN?
Yes - of course! Just add extra veggies, use veggie broth, and remove the chicken - super simple! It’s actually vegan that way as well!
4. WHAT'S THE BEST RICE TO USE?
Either the Jasmine or Basmati rice works well in this recipe. If you prefer brown rice, then par-boil it before adding it to the pot.
You could also use the minute-rice, but cook the meat and vegetables in sauce first, then add it towards the end of cooking. Adjust the rice-liquid ratio as necessary.
Arborio rice is typically used for risottos and you can still use it if you like, but note that your dish might get too dense and sticky.
5. CAN I USE EXTRA VEGGIES?
Of course! I’d recommend using any of these:
- Celery stalks
- Green beans
- Zucchini (add it towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy)
- Corn
- Broccoli florets
- Asparagus
- Mushrooms
- Greens such as stinging nettle, spinach, or kale
What to serve with this dish?
A side of salad greens complements this creamy dish perfectly. And a glass of your favorite wine, of course! 🍷
How do I store leftovers?
Allow them to cool to room temperature and then store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days! When you’re ready to reheat them, microwave them until piping hot.
How to make chicken and rice with vegetables?
The simple combination of chicken and rice mixed with vegetables requires no kitchen skills. Trust me, it’s that easy to make! Only 4 steps!
Overall, this dish doesn't need any enhancement, but feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices.
*Keep scrolling to get the full (printable) recipe, ingredient amounts, and more tips.
- Step 1 -To begin with, chop, dice, slice, and mince your vegetables.
- Step 2 -Next, heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large non-stick pan, cast iron, or saucepan. Sauté the onions, carrots, pepper, and garlic until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3 - Add chicken and brown quickly, then add tomato and cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 5-8 minutes.
- Step 4 - Stir in the tomato sauce, stock or water, peas, and rice then season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook on low heat, occasionally stirring until rice is cooked through, 10-12 minutes (add more water if necessary to finish cooking the rice).
The best part, it cooks in less than 30 minutes. Raise your hand if you want a delicious homemade dinner on the table that didn’t take hours to make! 🙋🏻♀️
And even better: cooked in one pot there are almost no dirty dishes to speak of. That is why we love this easy chicken and rice recipe, and you should too.
Love this one-skillet rice recipe? I bet you'd also like...
- COLOMBIAN PORK AND SAUSAGE RISOTTO (you will love Latin flavors in this dish)
- QUICK AND EASY SHRIMP RISOTTO (another family favorite!)
- BOSNIAN DJUVEC RICE (cozy vegetable and rice side dish)
🧡 LIKED THIS RECIPE? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and/or a review in the comments section. 😋 HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my Newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for the latest updates.
One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Vegetables
EQUIPMENT
- Cast iron skillet with a lid or a Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 large carrot, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, any color, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ cup chicken stock or broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large cast-iron, Dutch oven or a saucepan, heat the 3 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 1 large sliced carrot, and 1 chopped bell pepper, and 1 minced garlic clove. Sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces and brown until the meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Deglaze the pot with 1 cup crushed tomatoes and 1 ½ cup chicken stock or broth. Add 1 cup frozen peas and 1 cup uncooked rice; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook on low heat, stirring occasionally until rice is cooked through, 10-12 minutes (add more stock or water, if necessary, to finish cooking the rice).
- Finally, sprinkle with fresh parsley leaves before serving.
Video
Notes
- Some people have texture issues with different vegetables or have other aversions (I, for one, hate carrots). You can help by grating the carrots and onions and otherwise use the vegetables you know they like.
- If you're out of chicken stock or broth, use beef or vegetable instead. Another good substitute is a good quality bouillon dissolved in water.
- Feel free to add your own herbs and spices. We kept it simple.
- Bosnians like to replace salt with Vegeta.
- For the best results, read additional tips in the post above.
- Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on products used.
Nutrition
Sarah says
My near 10 year old Son made this with my help this evening. Wow! Was a hit with the children. Cannot wait to make an adult version with some chorizo and jalapenos! Thank you for posting this recipe 🙂
Jas says
So glad you liked it, Sarah! Kudos to your little chef 🙂
Alicia says
Do you think this dish would still taste good without the bell pepper and with red onion instead? Have all the ingredients except for the pepper and yellow onion, would prefer not to run to the store in these times!
Jas says
Of course! You can use any vegetables you like. Bell pepper does give it a certain flavor, though. You can always cut it larger and remove it afterward. I do that for my husband because he doesn't like eating them. Thanks for stopping in!
Anita says
This is such an easy and delicious dish. And I only need to wash one pot by the end of the cooking time. In fact, I don't need to wash until everyone is finished eating. 🙂
Jas says
That's right! Easy-peasy. Thanks for stopping in, Anita!
adriana says
I guess all cultures have their local rice dish. My husband is Cuban and he loves his Arroz con Pollo very similar to this rice dish you present today. I need to fix this casserole soon. Rice is a staple in my Latino cuisine.
Jas says
Yes, so similar, yet amazing how a selection of spices makes the difference in taste. 🙂 We love rice dishes and often prepare Arroz Atollado. 🙂
Kelly Anthony says
You had me at one pot because after cooking three meals a day right now the last thing I want to do is clean another set of dishes.
Jas says
I hear you! Enjoy and stay safe! xo
Sisley White says
How gorgeous is this dish! I can't wait to make it again.
Jas says
Thank you, Sisley! Glad you like it.
Emily Liao says
This one pot dinner has now become a family favorite! The flavors of the chicken are delicious and its such an easy recipe to make.
Jas says
Indeed! Glad you like it as much as we do! 🙂
Romins says
This looks great, I am loving one-pot dinners lately so I cannot wait to try this.
Jas says
Thanks! It doesn't disappoint. 😀
Redoy says
I just love this recipe. Thanks for sharing this. Take care...
Jas says
Thank you!
Laurie Pinter says
I made Jas’s Bosnian One Pot Chicken and Rice dinner tonight and it was fabulous! It was so easy to make and my usually non meat loving daughter even went back for a second helping. I highly recommend this recipe. Thanks Jas!
Jas says
Awe, thank you for your kind feedback, Laurie! I'm so happy you liked it as much as we do! Hugs ❤
Linda says
Trying this out tomorrow! What sides would be good with this meal?
Jas says
This dish is already a complete meal so no sides are necessary, but we do love to serve it with a fresh garden salad. 🙂
Aussie91 says
Tomato sauce in Australia is what some call "ketchup" , so I'm guessing tomato sauce here is like a passatta & not ketchup right? Trying this out today!
Jas says
Yes, you are right! It is not ketchup, but passata. 🙂