Easy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Casserole For The Family

When time is short and you need a comforting meal that feeds the whole family, a one-pot chicken and rice casserole is your best friend. It’s warm, hearty and filled with familiar flavours that everyone loves. Even better? You only need one pan, so there’s minimal washing up!

This dish brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, soft vegetables and a creamy, savoury sauce that binds everything together. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, whether you’re cooking for kids, adults or a mix of both. Everything simmers together gently, allowing the flavours to mingle and the rice to soak up all the delicious goodness.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Use leftover cooked chicken or raw thighs, swap in your favourite vegetables, or make it dairy-free by skipping the cheese and cream. Plus, this casserole reheats beautifully, so it’s ideal for meal prepping or enjoying as next-day leftovers.

You can serve it as-is, or pair it with a simple salad or steamed greens for balance. It’s homely, reliable and made with everyday ingredients – a real win for weeknight cooking.

Ready for the ultimate one-pot wonder? Let’s get this casserole going.

Ingredients For One-Pot Chicken & Rice Casserole

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1½ cups long-grain rice (uncooked)
• 3 cups chicken stock
• ½ cup cream or milk (optional, for creaminess)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or mixed herbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup grated cheddar (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions To Make One-Pot Chicken & Rice Casserole

1. Heat the oil or butter in a large, deep pan or casserole pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper and brown on both sides for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté the onion and carrots for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Stir in the uncooked rice and herbs. Let it toast for 1 minute, then return the chicken to the pot.
5. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir once, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid and cook for 18–20 minutes.
6. After 15 minutes, stir in the peas and cream (if using). Continue cooking covered until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
7. Sprinkle cheese on top if using, cover for a few minutes to melt.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

How to Prepare One-Pot Chicken & Rice Casserole

Start by browning the chicken for extra flavour – don’t cook it all the way through yet, as it will finish cooking with the rice. Sauté your onions and carrots until soft, then stir in the garlic for a fragrant base.

Add your rice dry, letting it soak up flavour from the pan before you add the liquid. Once the stock goes in, keep the pot covered and resist the urge to stir too often – this helps the rice cook evenly and stay fluffy.

Adding cream at the end gives a silky texture, while cheese adds indulgence. Don’t forget to taste and season before serving and garnish with herbs for a fresh finish.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Servings

Serves 4–6 people

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but it takes longer to cook. Increase the cooking time to 40–45 minutes and add more stock if needed.

Can I use cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Add it after the vegetables have softened and simmer for less time to prevent overcooking.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes. Simply leave out the cream and cheese, or use a dairy-free alternative like oat or almond cream.

How do I store leftovers?

Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of stock or water.

What vegetables can I use instead of carrots and peas?

Try mushrooms, courgettes, green beans or sweetcorn – anything that cooks quickly works well in this dish.

Conclusion

This one-pot chicken and rice casserole is the definition of easy comfort food. It’s warm, creamy and packed with flavour – and you only need one pan to make it. With soft vegetables, tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, it’s a guaranteed hit that’s both wholesome and satisfying.

Whether you’re feeding the family after a long day or preparing meals for the week ahead, this dish is quick, reliable and endlessly flexible. You can make it creamy or keep it light, throw in extra veggies, or top it with cheese for a golden, gooey finish.

It’s a simple recipe that delivers every time – no fuss, no fancy ingredients, just solid, feel-good food.

So grab your pot and a spoon and dig into a bowl of homemade goodness that’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen.