When life gets busy, cooking a wholesome, delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated. One-pot chicken recipes are the ultimate solution for effortless, flavorful meals with minimal cleanup. From soups and stews to casseroles and rice dishes, these recipes deliver comfort and nutrition in a single pot.
This guide features 10 easy one-pot chicken recipes, with step-by-step instructions, tips for flavor, and serving suggestions.
Why One-Pot Chicken Meals Are Perfect
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Minimal cleanup: Only one pot to wash.
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Time-efficient: Cook protein, vegetables, and grains together.
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Flavor-packed: Ingredients cook together, enhancing taste.
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Versatile: Suitable for any cuisine—Italian, Asian, Mexican, or classic comfort food.
📊 Benefits at a Glance
Benefit | Why It Matters |
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Less cleanup | Saves time and effort |
Fewer dishes | Ideal for busy weeknights |
Flavor integration | Ingredients meld beautifully |
Balanced meals | Protein, carbs, and veggies in one dish |
1. One-Pot Garlic Herb Chicken and Rice
Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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4 chicken thighs, bone-in
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1 cup long-grain rice
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2 cups chicken broth
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp thyme
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Salt and pepper
Steps
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Brown chicken thighs in a skillet for 3–4 minutes per side.
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Add garlic, rice, chicken broth, and thyme.
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Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer 25–30 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked.
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Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley.
📊 Pro Tip: Bone-in thighs add flavor and stay juicy longer than breasts.
2. One-Pot Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breast or thighs
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4 cups chicken broth
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 onion, chopped
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1 tsp thyme
Steps
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Cook chicken in broth until fully cooked; remove and shred.
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Add vegetables to the broth and simmer 15 minutes.
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Return shredded chicken to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
📊 Budget Tip: Use leftover chicken to reduce cooking time and cost.
3. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breast, diced
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8 oz pasta
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2 cups milk
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½ cup grated Parmesan
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper
Steps
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Cook chicken in a large pot until lightly browned.
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Add garlic and pasta, then pour in milk.
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Simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and creamy.
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Stir in Parmesan and season to taste.
📊 Serving Tip: Top with fresh parsley or spinach for extra nutrients.
4. One-Pot Chicken and Quinoa
Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breast, diced
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1 cup quinoa
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper
Steps
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Sauté chicken in the pot until lightly browned.
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Add quinoa, broth, vegetables, and seasonings.
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Cover and simmer 20–25 minutes until quinoa is cooked.
📊 Pro Tip: Quinoa cooks faster than rice and adds protein and fiber.
5. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken
Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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4 chicken thighs
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Juice of 1 lemon
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp rosemary
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1 cup chicken broth
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Salt and pepper
Steps
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Brown chicken in the pot for 3–4 minutes per side.
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Add garlic, lemon juice, rosemary, and chicken broth.
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Simmer, covered, for 25–30 minutes until chicken is tender.
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Serve with crusty bread or roasted vegetables.
📊 Flavor Tip: Squeeze additional lemon over the top before serving for extra zing.
6. One-Pot Chicken Fajitas
Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breast, sliced
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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1 onion, sliced
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper
Steps
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Cook chicken in a large pot until browned.
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Add vegetables and spices, cook 8–10 minutes until tender.
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Serve with tortillas, salsa, or rice.
📊 Pro Tip: Use frozen bell peppers to save time and cost.
7. One-Pot Chicken Curry
Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken thighs, diced
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1 can coconut milk
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1 tbsp curry powder
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp ginger, minced
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Salt and pepper
Steps
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Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in the pot.
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Add chicken and cook until lightly browned.
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Pour in coconut milk and curry powder, simmer 20 minutes.
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Serve with rice or naan bread.
📊 Flavor Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and taste.
8. One-Pot Chicken and Rice Casserole
Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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4 chicken breasts
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1 cup rice
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 cup frozen peas and carrots
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper
Steps
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Brown chicken in the pot, remove and set aside.
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Add rice, broth, and vegetables to the pot.
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Place chicken on top, cover, and simmer 25–30 minutes until rice is cooked.
📊 Serving Tip: Sprinkle with grated cheese before serving for extra flavor.
9. One-Pot BBQ Chicken and Potatoes
Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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4 chicken thighs
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2 cups diced potatoes
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½ cup barbecue sauce
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper
Steps
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Brown chicken in the pot for 3–4 minutes per side.
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Add potatoes, BBQ sauce, and garlic powder.
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Cover and simmer 25–30 minutes until chicken and potatoes are tender.
📊 Pro Tip: Bone-in thighs add flavor, but boneless works for faster cooking.
10. One-Pot Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breast, diced
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1 cup Arborio rice
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 cup mushrooms, sliced
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper
Steps
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Sauté chicken, onion, and garlic in the pot until chicken is lightly browned.
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Add mushrooms and rice, cook 2–3 minutes.
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Gradually add broth, stirring frequently until rice is tender.
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Serve hot, optionally topped with Parmesan cheese.
📊 Flavor Tip: Stir frequently to achieve creamy risotto texture without additional fat.
Tips for Success with One-Pot Chicken Recipes
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Use bone-in chicken for more flavor, especially in soups, rice, and casseroles.
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Layer ingredients properly: Protein first for browning, then grains and vegetables.
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Adjust liquid amounts: Too much can make the dish soupy; too little may cause burning.
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Season progressively: Taste at multiple stages to ensure balanced flavor.
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Experiment with spices and herbs: One-pot meals are perfect for international flavors.
📊 Cooking Time Reference
Recipe Type | Approx. Cook Time |
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Chicken and Rice | 30–35 min |
Soup | 35–40 min |
Pasta | 25–30 min |
Quinoa | 25–30 min |
Curry | 35 min |
Casserole | 35–40 min |
Final Thoughts
One-pot chicken recipes are the ultimate solution for busy cooks who want delicious, nutritious, and minimal-cleanup meals. From hearty soups and creamy risottos to flavorful curries and casseroles, these recipes deliver flavor, convenience, and comfort.