If you are craving something full of flavor, nutrition, and comfort, this stove‑top chicken and rice is the kind of recipe that instantly feels like home. It’s hearty without being heavy, nourishing without being complicated, and quick enough for even the busiest weeknights. My whole family loves it—even my toddler—and it’s one of those meals that just makes the kitchen smell like comfort.
This recipe is naturally gluten‑free, uses simple pantry staples, and comes together in one pot. Chicken adds protein, the broth and vegetables bring nutrients, and the rice ties everything together into a warm, cozy bowl that’s perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. It is truly a cozy, budget‑friendly one‑pot meal your whole family will love.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can use leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken, or even swap in ground beef or pulled pork. It’s the perfect “use what you have” meal, and every version tastes just as comforting.
This stove-top chicken and rice starts with sautéed onion, a little seasoning, carrots, celery, and your chicken of choice. Add broth and rice, let everything simmer, and in about half an hour you have a warm, nourishing pot of chicken and rice that feels like a hug in a bowl.
This meal is especially perfect for chilly evenings, sick day comfort meals, easy weeknight dinners, meal prep lunches, and feeding a crowd without a big price tag.
Serve it on its own (it truly is a complete meal), or pair it with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or some fresh fruit. It is cozy, filling, and endlessly reliable.
Table of Contents
Why you will love this recipe
- It’s a complete one‑pot meal — protein, veggies, and starch all simmer together for easy prep and easy cleanup.
- Budget‑friendly and pantry‑friendly — everything comes from simple staples you likely already have.
- Quick to make — less than 10 minutes to get simmering and only 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect for leftovers — reheats beautifully and packs easily for lunch the next day.
- Kid‑approved — even picky eaters (including my toddler!) love this cozy, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1-2 tablespoons oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 3-4 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
- Salt to taste
How to make stove-top chicken and rice
- In a Dutch oven or 3 quart pot, sauté the diced onion in the oil until translucent.
- Add the chicken, broth, rice, celery, carrots, chicken, garlic powder, and salt to taste. Mix well.
- Bring the contents of the pot to a boil, then cover and turn it down to a simmer for 20 minutes.
How to store leftover stove-top chicken and rice
Store leftover stove-top chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
More budget friendly meals on the blog
Stove-top Chicken and Rice
6
servings10
minutes20
minutesIngredients
1 medium onion, diced
1-2 tablespoons oil
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup long grain rice
3-4 stalks celery, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
Salt to taste
Directions
- In a Dutch oven or 3 quart pot, sauté the diced onion in the oil until translucent.
- Add the chicken, broth, rice, celery, carrots, chicken, garlic powder, and salt to taste. Mix well.
- Bring the contents of the pot to a boil, then cover and turn it down to a simmer for 20 minutes.
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