Hey y’all! If you love quick dinners that don’t skimp on flavor, you need to try this One-pan Chicken and Garlic Rice recipe. Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and toasty, aromatic garlic come together in a single skillet—making cleanup a breeze and dinner a comforting experience. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or impressing your friends with something so simple yet so delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This One-pan Chicken and Garlic Rice
- Minimal cleanup because everything cooks in one pan.
- Rich garlic aroma and flavor infuse every bite.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers taste even better.
- Customizable—add your favorite veggies or spice it up.
- Ready in under 45 minutes, making it a weeknight lifesaver!
One-pan Chicken and Garlic Rice Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 8 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups (285g) long grain white rice
- 2 3/4 cups (650ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make One-pan Chicken and Garlic Rice
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown (the chicken does not have to be fully cooked through yet). Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Toast the Rice
- Lower heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet.
- Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant—do not let it brown.
- Add uncooked rice and stir for 2 minutes, toasting until lightly golden and soaking up the garlic flavor.
Step 3: Simmer with Chicken and Peas
- Pour in the chicken broth; stir to combine and deglaze the pan.
- Arrange the browned chicken and any juices on top of the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle in the peas, if using.
- Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Rest and Serve the One-pan Chicken and Garlic Rice
- Remove from heat and let the pan rest, covered, for 5 additional minutes to ensure the rice is fluffy.
- Uncover, garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve hot with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Notes for Perfect One-pan Chicken and Garlic Rice
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor and aroma.
- If your rice is still a little firm after resting, add 2-3 tablespoons of broth and cook covered for a few extra minutes. Learn all about the best rice cooking techniques.
- For extra richness, try swapping half the broth for coconut milk (check coconut milk chicken recipes for inspiration).
Variations: One-pan Chicken and Garlic Rice, Your Way
- Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and fresh thyme instead of paprika.
- Spicy Sriracha Version: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of sriracha or hot sauce over the rice before simmering.
- Mediterranean Veggie Rice: Stir in chopped bell peppers, olives, and a sprinkle of feta before serving.
Required Equipment for One-pan Chicken and Garlic Rice
- Large, deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid (12 inches or larger)
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
One-pan Chicken and Garlic Rice Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle with a little water or broth and microwave gently until warmed through, or reheat in a covered skillet over low heat. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Serving Suggestions for One-pan Chicken and Garlic Rice
- Pair with a crisp green salad and a light vinaigrette.
- Serve alongside roasted or grilled vegetables for extra color and nutrition. Get veggie inspiration from EatingWell’s vegetable sides.
- Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a spoonful of tzatziki on top for a creamy, tangy contrast.
Pro Tips for the Best One-pan Chicken and Garlic Rice
- Sear the chicken until deep golden-brown for maximum flavor and color.
- Let the rice rest, covered, after cooking to allow the grains to finish steaming and avoid mushy texture.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results—they’re less prone to drying out than breasts. Read more about chicken cuts here.
FAQ: One-pan Chicken and Garlic Rice
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- Yes, but increase the broth to 3 1/2 cups and simmer for up to 45 minutes, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
- How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
- The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
- Can I make One-pan Chicken and Garlic Rice ahead of time?
- Definitely! This dish reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
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1Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
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2Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
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3In the same pan, add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
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4Stir in the rice, coating it with the oil and aromatic mixture. Pour in chicken broth, then bring to a gentle simmer.
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5Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan, skin-side up. Cover and cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
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6Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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