One Pot Spicy Chicken Rice

Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite meals—One-Pot Spicy Chicken and Rice. If you’re anything like me, you love a dish that’s easy to make, packs a ton of flavor, and doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dishes. Well, this recipe checks all those boxes and more!

Why You’ll Love It

Picture this: tender, juicy chicken, perfectly spiced and simmered with fluffy, flavorful rice. Add in some vibrant veggies, and you’ve got yourself a meal that feels fancy but is ridiculously easy to make. Oh, and did I mention it all happens in just one pot? Yep, one pot to cook and one pot to clean—because who has time for a mountain of dishes?

This dish is perfect for cozy weeknights, impressing your friends, or just treating yourself after a long day. It’s hearty, comforting, and has just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.

The Secret to Amazing Flavor

The magic of this recipe lies in the seasoning. Paprika, cayenne, and cumin work together to give the chicken a smoky, slightly spicy kick. And when the rice cooks in the same pot as the chicken? It soaks up all those delicious juices and spices, turning every bite into a flavor explosion.

And let’s not forget the veggies! Onions, garlic, and red bell peppers add sweetness and a little crunch, balancing out the spices perfectly. Top it all off with some fresh cilantro, and you’ve got a dish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious one-pot meal:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

How to Make It

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how it all comes together:

1. Season & Sear the Chicken
   Heat some olive oil in a big ol’ pot. Season your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, and cumin, then cook them until they’re golden brown on both sides. Set them aside (don’t worry, they’ll be back!).

2. Sauté the Veggies
   In the same pot (because we’re keeping it easy), toss in your chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced red bell peppers. Cook ‘em until the onions are nice and soft.

3. Add the Rice & Broth
   Stir in your rice, then pour in the chicken broth. Nestle those beautifully browned chicken thighs back into the pot.

4. Simmer Away
   Bring it all to a boil, then lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed.

5. Fluff & Garnish
   Take the pot off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle on some fresh cilantro if you’re feeling fancy, and serve it up hot.

Pro Tips

Adjust the spice: If you’re not big on heat, cut back on the cayenne. Love a good kick? Add more!

Double up: This recipe is great for meal prep. Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch.

Pair it up: A simple side salad or some steamed veggies go perfectly with this dish.

Why It’s a Keeper

This One-Pot Spicy Chicken and Rice isn’t just a recipe—it’s a lifesaver. It’s the kind of meal you can whip up when you’re short on time but still want something delicious. Plus, it’s versatile enough to tweak based on what you have in your pantry. No red bell peppers? Throw in some zucchini or carrots. Out of chicken thighs? Chicken breasts or even shrimp work great too.

Let’s Eat!

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. When you make it, let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear if you added your own twist or if you’re as obsessed with it as I am.

Happy cooking, friend! Let’s make dinnertime something to look forward to.