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Dairy Free
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Gluten Free
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Nut Free
Best One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe (Chicken Pilaf or Plov)
This traditional Russian One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe (aka Pilaf or Plov) is an amazing and savory one-pot meal with rice, chicken, onions and carrots. I hope you enjoy it! This chicken recipe has been passed down from relatives. I used to eat this a lot as a child. It’s just a great easy dinner meal all in one pot.
One of the most popular chicken recipes on my site is this Chicken with Rice in One Pot. We officially call this “Pilaf” or Plov. It’s a family favorite recipe that is part of the Russian Cuisine. If you search it up on the internet, you will find countless ways to make pilaf using different kinds of meat, spices, and methods.
This recipe of chicken with rice in one pot is one of the easiest, it’s great for lunch with a side of salad. It also reheats very well.
Plov is a recipe that is passed down through generations and makes a great dish for gatherings. Traditionally it’s made with lamb and is cooked in a huge cooking cast-iron vessel over a fire. But throughout the years, we have learned to bring plov to cook on the stove for an easier and simpler solution.
What you will need to make Chicken with Rice in One Pot
- Chicken: Chicken thighs, skinless, and boneless is best. The chicken breast would be too dry for plov since the meat cooks for a while.
- Oil: I use extra-virgin olive oil, but you can use your favorite oil here. Onion: Yellow and not the sweet kind.
- Carrots: You can leave the skin on if using organic carrots, but if you are going for the presentation and not only the taste, peel the carrots.
- Garlic: Brings out more flavor.
- Rice: I use basmati rice for this plov recipe.
- Water: For rice.
- Salt and Pepper to season.
Steps
Cut 1 pound of chicken thighs into smaller pieces.
In a medium-sized pot or a shallow pan heat 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Place chicken thigh pieces into the heating oil. Add in a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 7 minutes.
Chop 1 medium sized onion and add to the chicken. Sauté for another 3 minutes.
Chop or grate 3 medium carrots and add to the onion. Turn the heat down to the lowest.
Peel 2 cloves of garlic and to the chicken. (You can take the garlic out after cooking, if you don’t like to eat it).
Add 2 cups of water.
Taste the water! This is where you want to make sure you have enough seasoning. I added 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Add to your own taste.
Wash 1 1/2 cups of rice. Using a strainer was the rice until water pours clear.
Add the rice to the chicken, and don’t stir.
Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Give it a gentle stir and simmer for another 10 minutes. There should be no water left when it is done.
Best One Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe (Chicken Pilaf or Plov) Yum
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless & skinless)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 3 carrots (chopped or grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled, whole)
- 1.5 cups rice (rinsed, I used basmati)
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 cups water
Instructions
Cut 1 pound of chicken thighs into smaller pieces.
In a medium-sized pot or a shallow pan heat 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Place chicken thigh pieces into the heating oil. Add in a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 7 minutes.
Chop 1 medium sized onion and add to the chicken. Sauté for another 3 minutes.
Chop or grate 3 medium carrots and add to the onion. Turn the heat down to the lowest.
Peel 2 cloves of garlic and to the chicken. (You can take the garlic out after cooking, if you don’t like to eat it).
Add 2 cups of water.
Taste the water! This is where you want to make sure you have enough seasoning. I added 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Add to your own taste.
Wash 1 1/2 cups of rice. Using a strainer was the rice until water pours clear.
Add the rice to the chicken, and don’t stir.
Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Give it a gentle stir and simmer for another 10 minutes. There should be no water left when it is done.
Nutrition Facts
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Yes, I recommend this recipe.
No, I do not recommend this recipe.
I made this dish because my mom used to make something very similar when I was younger!
It is so simple, delicious and very healthy. I highly recommend it.
I've even posted it on Pinterest so that I can make it often.
Thanks, for a great recipe. 🌿
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
Awesome! Thank you the review, I am so glad you enjoyed it.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
So glad you liked it! Cayenne pepper sounds like a great kick to the recipe.
We made this for supper tonight. We loved this and will definitely have again! Super easy! The only thing I did different was I lightly sprinkled some cayenne pepper in it and put a tablespoon of Tastefully Simples magic chicken seasoning in it. I did use chicken broth and I used 3 cups of broth since I used regular long grain rice. Delish! Thanks for the recipe.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
So happy to hear that you liked it! One of our Family favorites.
I used chicken stock instead of water and also used Minute Rice. Excellent!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
The great thing about this recipe is it's nice and simple so you can tailor it to your taste. I've used chicken breast/thighs, beef and chicken stock instead of water, and a ton of different combinations of seasonings.
No, I do not recommend this recipe.
Aw. My grandfather came from the old country, too. His name was Nicolas Jurisich. I am going to try the recipe your way, too. Thank you for sharing. Regards, Luanne
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
It was very easy and a lot of flavor I did add Thai papers to it to give it more flavor.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
Jasmine rice works!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
Hmm interesting, I wonder where it went wrong :( i am sorry it didn't work out for you.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
Love it! Probably got soo much good flavors.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
Sounds great!
gonna take your suggestions sounds good
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
I used chicken stock instead of water and put some lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, thyme and parsley. It was delicious.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Great recipe! I added a little turmeric and "Better Than Bullioun" chicken flavoring. Yum!!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
This was easy and delicious! I added apple, thyme, and rosemary to the veggies and chicken while they sautéed and it was perfect. Thanks for the recipe!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
I'm not sure how this didn't work for me when it worked for so many... I used rice I cook all the time that takes less tan 20 min, and yet with this recipe I had o cook it over an hour, and more than double the amount of liquid. No flavor, and chicken is chokingly dry. I'd throw it out if we had a back meal!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Oye- I'm making this tonight and just got back from the market only to realize I only have Jasmine rice and white arborio rice. Are either ok? Or should I run back out to get Basmati? Thanks! (PS- my kids LOVE this EASY recipe!!)
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
no, but it will turn out a little different in taste.
Does the rice turn out sticky, even a little? I like mine a bit sticky.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Hey Alice and all, this is one of the recipes I got from my Grammy Busha. She was from "the old country", Czechloslovkia (now Slovakia). The only thing that she added (she was a professional chef), was a dash or two or three of Cayenne pepper.....not enough to make this a spicy dish, just enough to give it a little "surprise" tweek. It is delicious with or without the cayenne, but do try it sometime. I keep mine mild enough so kids can eat it. They don't even notice the red pepper, but hmmmmmm the taste!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Great recipe! I didn't have any carrots on hand, so used mushroom & also added a can of cream of chicken.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Hi.. I would like to know... what if I want to use 5 cups of rice, how can I alter the rest of the ingredients?
Best regards,
Sara
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
This is the 6th or 7th time I have made this. It is delicious every time. It is simple good food. The hubs and I eat it all week.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Do we have to use garlic or can we use powder garlic?
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Do we have to use carrots?
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
hmm never tried this recipe with quinoa. It sure would interesting to experiment.
Loved the basic recipe, I used 3 cups of leftover chicken, sauteed the carrot onion and added celery added the chicken then used chicken broth instead of water and added some Cajun seasoning and a dash of cayenne pepper. This dish was a huge hit for dinner, not much left after 3 adults ate dinner.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Can you use quinoa?
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Yummy recipe! I added some curry and coconut milk.....
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
I have been making this recipe for 40 years, I got it from my brother in. Law who got it from a Friend from Mexico, although I have tweaked it to my own likes olive oil garlic, onion, chicken pieces thighs and wings skin side down , season with mild Jamaican curry, salt, pepper, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, Sasson. 1/2 cup waterCover cook 30 minutes on medium flame.turn chicken and re season and cook another 30 minutes, covered .remove chicken from pootset aside measure liquid in pot in measuring cup. Set aside. Take 2 c dry lice and rinse until water runs clear. , return chicken to pot and throw rice in add water to juices in measuring. Cup to equal 4 cups water. Pour over chicken and rice. Add two envelopes of Goya chicken boullion stir, cover and let cook 20 to 30 mi Utes u till all water is absorbed. When rice is dry add a can of peas or a can of corn. I like to sprinkle Frank's Red Hot sauce over my rice in my plate
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
This is a family fave ive made time and again, though i use arborio rice and add in 2 eggs, a tin of butter mushrooms, some grated cheese and peas.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Made this last night, and I am in love with it!! Both my small picky kiddos devoured it happily! Fantastic and so easy! I used my homemade bone broth in place of water, and doubled the veggies, and used Himalayan salt instead of regular. I am so happy I found this recipe! Thank you so much for sharing! :)
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Can I use the rice cooker after I have made the chicken stock?
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Wow this is delicious! My 2 year old can be very picky and he LOVED it. I as well threw in a cube of chicken stock and used boneless skinless chicken breasts because it was all I had and it turned out to be fabulous. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
I am making it with chicken rice pilaf .I hope I'm not making a mistake lol
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Just tried this in a rice cooker with brown rice and it was perfect! I used 2 cups of rice & 2.5 cups water. Also added more seasonings based from previous reviews and it tasted amazing.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Made this tonight using chicken breasts instead of thighs since it's all I had on hand, substituted chicken broth for water, added some fresh rosemary, and some broccoli in with the carrots. It was fantastic and sooooo easy! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
I made this tonight and it was amazing! I used chicken broth as well and put mushrooms in it too. It was DELISH!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
I'm currently cooking this & it smells delicious! Thank you for a fabulous & easy recipe.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
I did the same with the chicken breast and chicken stock and used broccoli instead of carrots. Awesome!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
This was a hit at my house!! I would add more seasoning next time though. I used chicken broth and added frozen peas to go with the carrots.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
Sounds even more simple than the original recipe :D
I know the chicken it supposed to be raw. I ma just realizing it now that I just wrote and hit send. Since this chicken is already cooked, I will adjust the times when I add the chicken so I don't over cook it. I should have said that before.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
I am making this for supper. We don't have thighs but we have Perdue Short Cuts Chicken Breasts. We don't have 3 carrots we have baby carrots so I will eyeball it so see how many equal 3. I am also going to halve the recipe because there are only 2 of us eating this and even though we will have leftovers with the original recipe, we won't have so many with halving the recipe. I'm not halving the veggies because I love these veggies so their can't be to many in my opinion. It looks really yummy and one pot meals are amazing! Everything made all in one pot, how much easier can it get? Will let you know how we love it. I know we will!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
This recipe is SO perfect. Comforting, simple, and nutritious. Yum!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
do you spread it around so it's all in water?
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
yes, uncooked.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
I haven't done it in a crockpot, so I don't want to tell you the wrong information.
I'm going to try this today, but I'm using brown rice as I no longer eat the white starches, but I just wanted to make sure that I am supposed to add the rice uncooked?
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
It would be fine if you soaked the rice before-hand. I'm actually going to try it with fermented brown rice this weekend.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
This was so yummy! I used chicken breasts instead, chicken stock and added corn.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
My rice always comes out crunchy. What am I doing wrong? It's at the lowest heat.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
I added a red pepper and chopped jalapeño to this recipe and it turned out wonderful! Thanks for such an easy recipe!!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Could this be done in a crockpot? If so, what time/temperature?
Thanks!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
I never tried with brown rice. I know wild doesn't work very well, but brown I am not sure.
could you use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
That is great!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
that is awesome! Wow wonder how it tasted with apple. hmmm
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
medium-low
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
would serve 4-5 people
How many servings do you think this recipe makes?
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
I enjoyed this recipe and I would make it again. I also used to chicken stock and chicken breast (just happened to be what I pulled out of the freezer) and I added 1 apple chopped to make it a little more fall-ish! Thank you for sharing.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Delish!!!! This is going in my recipe file!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
What temp do I heat oil and chicken on?
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
I have made this recipe many times and love it. Lots more flavour with chicken stock and I always add a few more veggies like peas and beans. Delicious!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
How can something so simple be so delicious? This was amazing! Thanks for a yummy and easy recipe!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
That is great! Thank you feedback!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
So glad you liked it! I love easy and one pot meals!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
Awesome! I love one pot recipes.
So YUMMY! This was a huge hit in our house! I also used chicken stock and I loved the flavor. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Wow! This recipe was such a hit in my house! We loved it! I used chicken stock also! Such an awesome/easy meal! Thank you.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
This was so delicious I made it today for my family.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
Thank you so much for your feedback Jacquie! Very happy to hear you and your family enjoyed it.
I just made this for dinner for my family and it was YUMMY! I added a bit more broth and a vegetable bouillon cube. Defiantly making this again.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
O Good! Thank you for the feedback!
Absolutely was a hit in our home! So simple yet delicious!
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
Rinsing the rice gets rid of grain surface starch and prevents clumping.
Definitely going in my must try recipes. Why rinse the rice?
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
From All We Eat Admin:
What a great idea with the chicken stock, So glad you liked it! Thank you for the feedback.
This is a good recipe!!I made it for lunch today. I did not have chicken thighs, so I used chicken breast and chicken stock instead of water.This rice came out really good. Thank you for this recipe. :)
Yes, I recommend this recipe.
