One-Pot Chicken & Rice (Gluten-Free): Easy 30-Minute Meal

There’s something magical about the way **one pot chicken and rice** fills the kitchen with warmth and anticipation. I remember my grandmother stirring a similar dish on her old gas stove, the steam rising like little clouds of comfort while we kids waited impatiently at the kitchen table. This recipe carries that same spirit—simple ingredients transforming into something that feels like a hug from the inside out. It’s a dish that brings families together, feeds hungry hearts, and proves that the best meals don’t need complicated techniques or fancy equipment. Let’s get cooking.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken and Rice

This **one pot chicken and rice** recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner and more. First, it’s incredibly **easy chicken rice recipe** that requires just one pot—meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. The flavors meld beautifully as everything cooks together, creating a harmony that’s hard to achieve when cooking components separately.

You’ll taste the love in every bite as the **tender chicken** absorbs the aromatic broth while the rice becomes perfectly creamy. It’s also wonderfully versatile—this **healthy one pot meal** adapts to whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it both budget-friendly and practical for busy families. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily accommodate different dietary needs.##

What You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. These everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special:

1. Boneless, skinless chicken breast(1 lb, diced) – I love using chicken breast for its lean protein, but thighs work beautifully too if you prefer more richness
2. Olive oil (1 tablespoon) – This creates the perfect base for browning our chicken
3. Small onion (1, finely chopped) – The foundation of flavor that makes everything smell like home
4. Fresh garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Never skip this aromatic powerhouse
5. Long grain white rice (1 cup) – I prefer long grain for its fluffy texture, but jasmine rice works wonderfully too
6. Medium carrots (2, sliced) – These add natural sweetness and beautiful color
7. Low-sodium chicken broth (3 cups) – The secret to deeply flavored rice
8. Dried thyme (1/4 teaspoon) – A little goes a long way with this earthy herb
9. Salt and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper) – Season to taste
10. Unsweetened almond milk (1/2 cup) – This creates the creamy finish, but any milk works
11. Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped) – The bright finishing touch that makes everything pop

Let’s Make It Step by Step

This simple chicken and rice recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, and every step builds flavor:

1. Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in your large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until lightly golden. Don’t worry about cooking it through—it’ll finish cooking with the rice.
2. Build the aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften and smell amazing. Add the garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds—any longer and it might burn.
3. Add the foundation: Pour in the rice, sliced carrots, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. This is where the magic starts happening.
4. Simmer to perfection: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The rice should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
5. Finish with creaminess: Stir in the milk and fresh parsley. Simmer uncovered for another 3-4 minutes until beautifully creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

##

Serving Suggestions

This **comforting one pot meal** is perfect on its own, but here are some ways to make it extra special. Serve it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for freshness, or add some crusty bread for sopping up every last bit of that creamy goodness.

For special occasions, I love garnishing with extra fresh herbs and a sprinkle of **parmesan cheese**. It’s also wonderful alongside roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for added nutrition and color.##

Make It Your Own

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your family’s tastes and dietary needs:

• Vegetable variations: Try adding peas, corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms in the last few minutes of cooking
• Protein swaps: Use chicken thighs, turkey, or even leftover rotisserie chicken
• Dairy-free option: The almond milk already makes this lighter, but coconut milk adds richness
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of paprika, cumin, or your favorite herb blend

##

Kitchen Tips & Tricks

I’ve learned a few things over the years that make this easy chicken rice recipe even better. First, don’t skip browning the chicken—it adds so much flavor to the final dish. If your rice seems too dry during cooking, add a splash more broth rather than water.

One time I got distracted and let the bottom get a little golden—it actually added a wonderful nutty flavor! The key is to stir occasionally but not constantly, letting the rice absorb all those beautiful flavors.##

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This **healthy one pot meal** keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in airtight containers and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.

You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight and reheat slowly. For busy weeks, prep all your vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge for quick assembly.##

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just increase the cooking time to 35-40 minutes and add an extra cup of broth since **brown rice** takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth or even water with a bouillon cube. The flavor will be milder, but still delicious.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This **one pot chicken and rice** actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?

Use long-grain rice and avoid over-stirring. Once you add the rice, stir just enough to combine, then let it simmer mostly undisturbed.