This one-pot chicken and fried rice recipe is the perfect solution for busy moms who want a wholesome, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and all comes together in just one pan for minimal cleanup!
The inspiration for this recipe comes from the need for a nutritious, satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a blend of spices, this dish is a simple yet delicious staple. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners when time is limited, and you still want to serve something homemade.
This was inspired by my other one pot recipes on this site.
Ingredients
This one-pot chicken and fried rice recipe calls for pantry staples and fresh ingredients that come together seamlessly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts
- White rice
- Onion
- Better than Bouillon
- Olive oil
- Peas and carrots
- Salt, pepper, and garlic spice combo
- Paprika
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
The process for this recipe is straightforward and simple, making it a breeze to throw together even on a busy evening. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Step 1: Sauté the seasoned chicken.
- Step 2: Sauté the onions and add the rice, peas and carrots to the pan.
- Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, re-add the chicken, cover and cook on low.
- Step 4: Cook until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Hint: Make sure the egg is cooked and diced before adding the broth. This will make sure the egg is in mini chunks through out the rice.
Substitutions
This recipe is flexible and can easily be adjusted based on what you have in your kitchen or your family’s preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Protein – swap chicken for turkey or pork.
- broth – use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- rice – try brown rice next time!
Even if your reader doesn’t follow a specific diet (eg. gluten free), they may have friends or family that they’re cooking for that could use this. This is also a great idea to link out to another blogger with a similar recipe that fits a different diet.
Variations
Want to change things up or add more flavor? Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Vegetables – add diced tomatoes and/or bell peppers for a southwestern twist.
- Greens – try it with spinach or kale.
- Cheese – Top with shredded cheese before serving. Isn’t everything better with cheese?
Equipment
- Large Pan with lid
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.
Top Tip
For perfectly tender rice, let the pot sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking, then fluff the rice with a fork before serving! This helps absorb any remaining liquid and ensures a perfect texture.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with One Pot Chicken and Fried Rice:
One Pot Chicken and Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of chicken breasts cut horizontally and pounded, totaling 4 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Kinder’s The Blend seasoning or your preferred all-purpose seasoning
- ¼ cup flour
- 1-2 tablespoons butter for searing the chicken
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice uncooked and rinsed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1.5 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon chicken base
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 thinner pieces, then pound them evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Season both sides of the chicken with paprika, Kinder’s The Blend seasoning, and flour.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. (You do not need to cook them through.)
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables and Cook Rice:
- In the same pan, add the diced onions and frozen peas and carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Add the uncooked rice to the pan and stir to combine with the vegetables. Let the rice toast lightly for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Push the vegetables and rice to one side of the pan and crack the eggs into the empty space.
- Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then stir them into the rice and vegetables.
- In a separate bowl, combine the Better Than Bouillon with 2 ½ cups of water, stirring until dissolved. Pour the broth mixture into the pan with the rice and vegetables.
- Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Check occasionally to ensure the rice does not burn.
- Once the rice is fully cooked, remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your flavorful, homemade one-pot chicken and fried rice!
