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Affordable One Pot Chicken and Rice Meal

Affordable One-Pot Chicken and Rice Meal (A Weeknight Lifesaver)

Some nights call for candles and fancy recipes.
Most nights call for one pot, pantry staples, and zero extra dishes.

This Affordable One-Pot Chicken and Rice Meal is one of those “thank goodness for past-me” dinners. It’s cozy, filling, budget-friendly, and made with ingredients you probably already have hanging out in your fridge or pantry. No sides required. No sink full of regret afterward.

Just warm, comforting food that feeds your people without draining your energy or your grocery budget.

And honestly? That’s the dream.

Why We Love This One-Pot Dinner

This is the kind of meal that shows up hard on busy weeknights, tight budget weeks, and “I forgot to thaw anything” days.

Here’s why it earns a permanent spot in our rotation:

Budget-friendly – simple ingredients, no fancy extras
One pot – because dishes are rude
Family-friendly – mild, cozy flavors everyone eats
Flexible – use what you have, swap what you don’t
Leftovers well – tomorrow-you will be grateful

It’s comfort food without being complicated. And around here, that matters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing wild. Nothing expensive. Just real food.

Chicken (thighs or breasts both work)
Long-grain white rice
Chicken broth (or water + bouillon)
Onion
Garlic
Simple seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, etc.)
Oil or butter

That’s it. No obscure spices you’ll never use again. Promise.

How This Meal Comes Together

This recipe keeps things simple on purpose.

You’ll lightly brown the chicken to build flavor (don’t stress perfection), sauté the onion and garlic in the same pot, then add the rice and broth. Nestle the chicken back in, pop a lid on, and let everything cook together until the rice is tender and the chicken is juicy.

The rice soaks up all that chicken flavor, and the whole pot turns into something way better than the sum of its parts.

It’s not flashy.
It is reliable.

Budget Tips (Because That’s Our Thing)

Use chicken thighs if they’re cheaper — they’re forgiving and flavorful
Buy rice in bulk if you cook it often
Stretch leftovers for lunch or pair with frozen veggies if needed
This is a great base recipe for using up odds and ends

Simple food doesn’t mean boring — it means smart.

One-Pot Chicken and Rice Meal

An easy, affordable one-pot meal made with pantry staples. Filling, comforting, and perfect for meal prep.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Serving Size 4 people

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound chicken thighs or chicken breast diced
1 small onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth or water + bouillon
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika optional

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 5–6 minutes.
Stir in onion and garlic; cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Add rice, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes.
Stir in frozen vegetables, cover again, and cook for 5 more minutes.
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing and serving.

Notes

Swap chicken for sausage or canned beans to make it even cheaper.
Add soy sauce or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

FAQ’s: Affordable One Pot Chicken and Rice Meal

Yes! Chicken breasts work great. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook and dry out. Thighs are a little more forgiving (and usually cheaper), but both get the job done.

Long-grain white rice is the best option for even cooking and fluffy results. If you use brown rice, you’ll need extra liquid and more cook time. Instant rice isn’t recommended—it cooks too fast and can turn mushy.

Absolutely. Frozen peas, carrots, corn, or even spinach work great. Stir them in near the end so they don’t overcook. This recipe is very “use what you have” friendly.

Yes! This one-pot chicken and rice reheats really well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it from drying out.

You can freeze it, but rice can soften a bit after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, slightly undercook the rice and add extra broth when reheating for best results.

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and no longer be pink in the center. If the rice is done but the chicken needs more time, just cover and simmer a few extra minutes.

I recommend Digital Kitchen Meat Thermometer, this is my most used kitchen tool that I LOVE!

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels just to be safe.

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