Why You’ll Love One‑pan Chicken and Garlic Rice Recipe

Cooks entirely in one pan — fewer dishes and less fuss.
The rice absorbs all the juicy, savory flavors from the chicken and aromatics.
It’s made with simple pantry staples you probably already have.
Versatile — you can tweak the herbs, use thighs or breasts, or add vegetables.
Hearty enough for a family dinner, yet simple enough for weeknights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sea salt flakes
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Sweet paprika
Dried thyme
Cracked black pepper
Extra‑virgin olive oil
Boneless chicken thighs (skin-on or skin-off)
Water (for deglazing)
Onion, finely diced
Fresh garlic, minced
Jasmine rice
Chicken stock
Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish, optional)

To serve: mixed leaf salad or steamed greens

Directions

In a shallow bowl, combine salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, cracked pepper, and olive oil. Add the chicken and turn to coat evenly with the marinade.
Heat a large, deep, heavy‑based pan over medium–high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes (turning once) until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Pour water into the pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the base.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the rice and chicken stock, and bring to a simmer.
Return the chicken to the pan (place skin-side up if using skin-on) and cover. Cook on low for about 15 minutes, until the rice and chicken are fully cooked.
Remove from heat, keep the lid on, and let rest for 10 minutes to allow residual steam to finish cooking.
Fluff the rice gently and serve, garnished with fresh thyme and paired with a green salad or steamed vegetables.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 to 5 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: ~15 minutes active + 10 minutes resting
Total time: ~35 minutes

Variations

Use chicken breast instead of thighs — but watch carefully so it doesn’t dry out.
Add vegetables such as peas, spinach, or zucchini after the rice is nearly cooked.
Swap jasmine rice for basmati (adjust liquid) for a different texture.
Experiment with herb blends — rosemary, oregano, or basil could work instead of thyme.
For extra depth, add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon before covering.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not ideal, as the rice may become mushy.
Reheating: Gently warm on stovetop or in the microwave. If dry, sprinkle a bit of water or stock and cover while warming.

FAQs

What type of rice works best?

Jasmine rice is used in this recipe for its fragrant, fluffy texture.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes — but breasts dry more easily, so reduce cooking time and be cautious.

Do I need to pre‑marinate the chicken?

No — the seasoning works quickly in this recipe, though marinating a little longer can deepen flavor.

Why deglaze the pan with water?

Deglazing lifts up the browned, flavorful bits stuck to the pan, which adds depth to your rice.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes — simple greens like peas or spinach or diced zucchini can be added toward the end.

What if the rice is undercooked?

Add a bit more boiling water (½ cup) and cover again, cooking on low until the rice softens.

What if there’s too much liquid left?

Fluff the rice and let it rest a few minutes uncovered; residual steam and heat will help absorb excess liquid.

Can I make this ahead?

You can prepare the seasoned chicken in advance. Add rice and stock and cook when ready to eat.

Is this gluten‑free?

Yes — if you use a gluten‑free chicken stock and check that other seasonings are gluten‑free.

Can I use a different herb instead of thyme?

Absolutely — oregano, rosemary, or parsley can be good substitutes based on what you like or have.

Conclusion

One‑pan Chicken and Garlic Rice is a comforting, flavor-rich meal that comes together with minimal effort and cleanup. With juicy, seasoned chicken resting over garlicky rice that captures all the savory goodness, it’s a reliable go-to for busy nights. Customize it with vegetables or herbs, serve it with a crisp salad or greens, and enjoy a satisfying dinner with little stress.