ONE PAN CHICKEN & RICE MEAL PREP

ONE PAN CHICKEN & RICE MEAL PREP is a easy American recipe that serves 5. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Remington James on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 28 min | Total: 38 min

Cost: $7.01 total, $1.40 per serving

Ingredients

  • 784 g Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (trimmed, about 5 thighs)
  • 15 g Paprika (sweet paprika)
  • 5 g Onion Powder
  • 5 g Garlic Powder
  • 1 g Italian Seasoning
  • 2 g Salt (to taste)
  • 1 g Black Pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
  • 56 g Onion (diced thin strips)
  • 225 g Basmati Rice (rinsed until water runs clear)
  • 600 g Chicken Stock (low‑sodium; can substitute chicken broth)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for searing and sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Weigh and Pat Dry Chicken

    Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs on the kitchen scale, weigh out 784 g (about 5 thighs), and pat them dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Prepare Seasoning Blend

    In a small bowl combine 15 g paprika, 5 g onion powder, 5 g garlic powder, 1 g Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Season the Chicken

    Transfer the chicken thighs to a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the seasoning blend over them, and toss with tongs until every side is evenly coated.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Dice the Onion

    Peel the onion and cut into thin strips, then dice into small pieces totaling about 56 g.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Sear the Chicken

    Heat the large non‑stick skillet over high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil, and place the chicken thighs in a single layer. Sear for 3 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: High

  6. Remove Chicken and Quick Pan Clean

    Transfer the seared chicken to a plate. While the pan is still hot, wipe out any burnt bits with a paper towel (use tongs). Add a splash more oil if the pan looks dry.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Sauté Onions

    Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté over medium heat for 5‑6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and aromatic.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: Medium

  8. Toast the Rice

    Add the rinsed basmati rice to the skillet, spreading it out. Toast for 1‑2 minutes, stirring gently so each grain contacts the pan.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  9. Add Stock and Deglaze

    Pour in 600 g chicken stock, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  10. Simmer Covered

    Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin side up. Cover with the lid, reduce heat to medium‑low, and let simmer for 15‑20 minutes without stirring.

    Time: PT18M

    Temperature: Medium

  11. Rest and Portion

    Remove the skillet from heat and let rest 5 minutes. Then spoon the fluffy rice into 5 meal‑prep containers and place one chicken thigh on top of each.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Cool and Store

    Allow the containers to cool to room temperature (no more than 30 minutes), then seal and refrigerate or freeze as desired.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
37 g
Carbohydrates
37 g
Fat
6 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: High protein, Low fat, Gluten‑free, Dairy‑free

Last updated: April 19, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

ONE PAN CHICKEN & RICE MEAL PREP

Recipe by Remington James

A simple one‑skillet meal‑prep recipe that delivers perfectly seared chicken thighs and fluffy basmati rice in under 30 minutes. Ideal for weight‑loss, muscle‑building, and anyone who wants a tasty, high‑protein, low‑fat lunch or dinner all week long.

EasyAmericanServes 5

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
27m
Prep
26m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 3m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.01
Total cost
$1.40
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Searing the chicken thighs for a proper crust
  • Toasting the rice before adding liquid
  • Simmering covered without stirring to allow rice to absorb stock fully

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Be careful when wiping the hot pan; use tongs to hold the towel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chicken and rice meals in American bodybuilding cuisine?

A

Chicken and rice is a staple in American fitness circles because it provides a simple, balanced source of protein and carbohydrates. The combination became popular in the 1990s with the rise of bodybuilding magazines that promoted easy‑to‑prepare, macro‑counted meals for muscle growth and fat loss.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of chicken and rice exist in American cuisine?

A

In the U.S., you’ll find Southern chicken‑and‑rice casseroles, Cajun jambalaya, and Southwest chicken‑rice bowls with black beans and corn. Each variation swaps the seasoning blend and sometimes the rice type, but the core concept of protein‑rich chicken with a carb base remains the same.

cultural
Q

How is chicken and rice traditionally served in bodybuilding meal‑prep culture?

A

Bodybuilders typically portion chicken thighs or breasts over a measured scoop of rice in airtight containers, often adding a side of steamed vegetables. The meals are stored in the fridge for up to five days or frozen for longer storage, and reheated quickly in a microwave.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is chicken and rice associated with in American fitness culture?

A

While not tied to holidays, chicken‑and‑rice meals are a daily ritual for athletes preparing for competitions, cutting phases, or simply maintaining a consistent macro intake throughout the week.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for this recipe versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include boneless skinless chicken thighs, basmati rice, and low‑sodium chicken stock. Acceptable substitutes are chicken breast for leaner meat, jasmine rice for a different aroma, and homemade broth in place of canned stock.

cultural
Q

What other American high‑protein dishes pair well with this chicken and rice meal prep?

A

Pair it with steamed broccoli, roasted sweet potatoes, or a side salad with a light vinaigrette. These add fiber and micronutrients while keeping the macro balance ideal for muscle building.

cultural
Q

How has the one‑skillet chicken and rice meal‑prep method evolved over time in the United States?

A

The method started as a simple stovetop boil‑and‑simmer dish, but modern creators like Remington James have refined it with searing for flavor, toasting rice for texture, and using precise macro calculations to meet fitness goals.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this chicken and rice meal prep?

A

Common errors include overcooking the chicken, using too much stock which makes the rice mushy, and stirring the rice during the final simmer, which can break grains and create a gummy texture.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe toast the rice before adding stock instead of adding stock directly?

A

Toasting the rice coats each grain with a thin layer of oil, enhancing flavor and helping the grains stay separate. It also creates a slight crust that prevents the rice from becoming overly soft during the simmer.

technical
Q

Can I make this chicken and rice meal prep ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can portion the cooked chicken and rice into containers and refrigerate for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the containers; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave before eating.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Remington James specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Remington James specializes in simple, high‑protein recipes for weight loss and muscle building, offering quick meal‑prep ideas, fitness‑focused cooking tips, and occasional product reviews for health‑oriented audiences.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Remington James's approach to American fitness cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Remington James focuses on macro‑counted, budget‑friendly meals that can be prepared in under 30 minutes with minimal equipment, whereas many other channels prioritize gourmet techniques or elaborate ingredient lists.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Meal‑Prep Burrito Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice, Chicken & Avocado Crema
39

Meal‑Prep Burrito Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice, Chicken & Avocado Crema

A complete, make‑ahead Mexican‑style burrito bowl that feeds a week of lunches. Fluffy cilantro‑lime rice, seasoned chicken thighs, sautéed peppers & onions, corn salsa, shredded Monterey Jack, and a silky avocado crema come together in portable containers for quick, tasty meals.

1 hr 45 minServes 4$15
Mexican
Chicken Fajita Fried Rice Meal Prep
14

Chicken Fajita Fried Rice Meal Prep

A quick, high‑protein Mexican‑inspired fried rice that combines seasoned chicken fajita strips with leftover rice, peppers, and onions. Ready in under 45 minutes, each serving is about 481 calories, making it perfect for low‑calorie meal‑prepping.

46 minServes 5$10
Mexican
Batch Cooking Meal Prep System – Fajita Chicken, Basmati Rice, Creamy Bolognese, Couscous, Chickpea Curry, Roasted Veg, Mexican Chicken Stew & Lentils with Chorizo
7

Batch Cooking Meal Prep System – Fajita Chicken, Basmati Rice, Creamy Bolognese, Couscous, Chickpea Curry, Roasted Veg, Mexican Chicken Stew & Lentils with Chorizo

A complete weekly batch‑cooking guide that creates modular 250 ml silicone‑mold “bricks” of protein, carbs and veg. Includes fajita‑style chicken, fluffy basmati rice, creamy meat Bolognese, quick‑cook couscous, aromatic chickpea curry, roasted mixed vegetables, Mexican‑style shredded chicken stew and hearty lentils with fresh chorizo. All components are cooled, portioned and frozen for fast reheating later.

6 hrs 10 minServes 8$36
International Fusion
Cajun Chicken and Rice Meal Prep
22

Cajun Chicken and Rice Meal Prep

A low‑calorie, high‑protein Cajun‑flavored meal prep featuring spiced chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a tangy Cajun mayo sauce. All components share a single homemade Cajun spice blend for maximum flavor and minimal prep.

1 hr 15 minServes 5$10
Cajun
Sheet Pan Chicken Parm Meal Prep
6

Sheet Pan Chicken Parm Meal Prep

A weight‑loss friendly, high‑protein chicken parmesan meal‑prep recipe. Tender baked chicken breasts are topped with marinara, cottage cheese and plenty of Parmesan, then finished under the broiler. A colorful medley of roasted zucchini, sweet potatoes and carrots adds fiber and volume, making seven filling meals that each deliver about 66 g of protein for only 570 calories.

1 hr 35 minServes 7$21
Italian‑American
EASY MEAL PREP 101: Chicken & Rice
18

EASY MEAL PREP 101: Chicken & Rice

A high‑protein, low‑fat meal‑prep recipe perfect for cutting or weight‑loss goals. Seasoned chicken breast is baked, then pan‑seared, served over a cup of brown rice with a side of veggies and a pea‑sized drop of ranch dressing.

1 hr 12 minServes 1$5
American