One Pot Chicken and Rice | Indian Style Stovetop Recipe

When you crave bold flavours but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, a one-pot chicken and rice recipe is the perfect solution. Inspired by rich Indian spices, this dish is packed with warmth, depth, and comfort, all made in a single pot. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this easy and flavorful meal will become a household favourite.

Why This One Pot Chicken Recipe Works

The beauty of a one-pot recipe lies in its simplicity. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavour, it combines aromatic spices, tender chicken, and a rich sauce in one dish.

Indian-inspired cooking often involves layering spices for deep, complex flavours. This dish does exactly that, starting with sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger, followed by fragrant garam masala. The chicken absorbs these bold spices, creating a dish bursting with flavour .

How to Make a Delicious One Pot Chicken Recipe

You will need

• A non-stick pot
• A Spatula

Ingredients

For the chicken marinade

• 5-6 pieces of chicken thighs
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp chilli powder
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 2 tbsp sour cream/yoghurt

For the dish

• 3 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cups basmati, soaked for 30 minutes
• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 cups water
• 1 tbsp butter
• Cilantro to garnish

Instructions

1. To begin, combine the chicken thighs, turmeric, salt, chilli powder, minced garlic, minced ginger, sour cream/yogurt and marinate for at least 1 hour.
2. Heat oil in a large pot and sear until brown. (You can air fry instead of frying) Remove and set aside. In the same pot, add the onions, cook until translucent then add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for a few minutes then add the garam masala, onion and finally the coconut milk.
3. Next, add the rinsed rice, butter, water and the chicken and bring to a gentle boil. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
4. Cover the rice and then turn the heat to the lowest setting and simmer for 30 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon if you wish for a final touch.

How to Make Simple One-pot Chicken & Rice

A simple one-pot chicken recipe that's hassle-free to prepare with minimal cleanup. By cooking everything in a single pot, the chicken absorbs rich spices and seasonings, creating a delicious and comforting dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe can be easily customized with vegetables, rice, or a creamy sauce to suit your taste.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine African, Continental, Indian

Servings 6

Calories 665 kcal

Equipment

• 1 A non-stick pot
• 1 spatula

Ingredients

  

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For the chicken marinade

• 6 large chicken thighs
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp chilli powder
• 1 tbsp garlic minced
• 1 tsp ginger minced
• 2 tbsp sour cream or yogurt

For the dish

• 3 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 medium onion sliced
• 2 cups basmati rice soaked for 30 min
• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 cups water
• 1 tbsp butter
• cilantro to garnish

Instructions

 

• Combine the chicken thighs, turmeric, salt, chilli powder, minced garlic, minced ginger, sour cream/yogurt and marinate for at least 1 hour.
• Heat oil in a large pot and sear until brown. (You can air fry instead) Remove and set aside. In the same pot, add the onions, cook until translucent then add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for a few minutes then add the garam masala, onion and finally the coconut milk.
• Next, add the rinsed rice, butter, water and the chicken and bring to a gentle boil. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
• Cover the rice and then turn the heat to the lowest setting and simmer for 30 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 665kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 24gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 811mgPotassium: 438mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 223IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 3mg

Keyword One Pot Chicken and Rice, One-Pot Meals, spicy

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Why This is Easy One Pot Chicken Recipe Should Be Your Go To

This easy one pot chicken and rice recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. With everything cooking in a single pot, you save time on both preparation and cleanup. Plus, the dish is incredibly versatile,  can adjust the spice levels, add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, or even swap chicken for beef, shrimp, paneer or tofu for a vegetarian twist.

The slow simmering process ensures that the chicken stays juicy while absorbing all the aromatic flavours. You don’t need any fancy cooking skills, just a handful of ingredients and one pot to create a meal that tastes like it’s been cooking for hours.

In conclusion, this one pot chicken recipe delivers bold Indian-inspired flavours in a simple, and hassle-free way. With minimal effort, you get a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Try this easy one-pot chicken recipe today and bring the taste of India to your table, your taste buds will thank you!

Also, try our other recipes:

• Easy One Pot Rice Chicken
• Easy Dirty Rice Recipe
• Easy Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why marinate the chicken before cooking?

Marinating for at least an hour lets the turmeric, chili powder, garlic, and ginger really soak into the meat. This builds flavor from the inside out instead of just seasoning the surface.

2. Why soak the basmati rice beforehand?

Soaking for 30 minutes helps the grains cook more evenly and stay fluffy rather than mushy. It also shortens the overall cooking time once everything hits the pot.

3. Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes, though thighs stay juicier during the simmering process compared to leaner cuts. If using breast, keep an eye on it to avoid drying it out.

4. Can I make this dish without coconut milk?

You can swap it for regular milk, cream, or just extra water for a lighter version. Keep in mind it will change the richness and slightly alter the flavor profile.

5. What can I add to make this more filling or nutritious?

Vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach mix in easily without changing the cooking method. You can also substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, paneer or tofu for variety.