One Pot Healthy Chicken and Rice
Lazy Mom Dinners made easy! This one-pot chicken and rice is healthy, hearty, and ready in 20 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
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If you’re searching for lazy mom dinners that are both healthy and quick, this One Pot Healthy Chicken and Rice recipe is your answer. It’s a simple, flavorful meal that comes together in one pot, making cleanup easy.
Moreover, this recipe is a 15-minute dump-and-go dinner that lets you prep in the morning or start after work, giving you more time with your family while still serving a wholesome, hearty meal.
The Story Behind It
This recipe was born on one of those chaotic weekday nights when everything felt rushed. Between homework, chores, and bedtime, I had zero time to cook. So, I tossed chicken, rice, and a few pantry staples into a single pot — and the result was magic. The kitchen smelled amazing, the cleanup was minimal, and everyone went back for seconds.
Since then, this one-pot wonder has been my go-to comfort meal for busy evenings. It’s quick, balanced, and always a hit — even with picky eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this chicken and rice dinner because it’s:
- Effortless – Just dump, cook, and serve.
- Nutritious – Packed with lean protein, veggies, and whole grains.
- Family-friendly – Mild flavors kids love.
- Quick to clean up – Only one pot to wash.
- Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day.
Tips and Kitchen Hacks
- Quick Swap: Use frozen veggies to save even more time.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a richer texture.
- Rice Upgrade: Try brown rice or quinoa for a heartier twist — just adjust the cooking time.
- Extra Flavor: Add a squeeze of lemon before serving for brightness.
One Pot Healthy Chicken and Rice
Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes350
kcalSimple pantry staples like chicken, rice, and vegetables come together in one pot, creating a flavorful, healthy meal that’s ideal for busy moms.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, or corn)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp thyme
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- First, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then, add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned. This step seals in flavor and gives the dish a nice golden base.
- Next, stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. This brings depth and warmth to the dish.
- After that, add rice, chicken broth, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the rice absorbs all the flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for another 3–4 minutes. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley
- Serve warm straight from the pot. Pair it with a light salad or keep it simple — either way, it’s delicious and hassle-free.
Recipe Video
Final Thoughts
- If you’re tired of complicated weeknight dinners, this One Pot Healthy Chicken and Rice will be your new go-to. It’s one of those lazy mom dinners that still feels home-cooked and made with love — only without the mess or stress.
With its easy prep, minimal cleanup, and family-approved flavor, it’s proof that healthy can also mean quick and delicious.
