One pan chicken and rice

One pan chicken and rice is a easy Asian‑Inspired recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Kwokspots on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr

Cost: $9.62 total, $2.40 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs (bone‑in, skin‑on, about 200 g each)
  • 1 tsp Salt (kosher or sea salt)
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • ½ tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • ½ tsp Cumin Powder
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin)
  • 1 medium Onion (diced)
  • 3 pieces Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 1 cup Mixed Vegetables (optional) (e.g., diced carrots, peas, bell pepper)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (about one large spoon)
  • 1 cup Basmati Rice (rinsed until water runs clear)
  • 2 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium; can use broth or water with bouillon)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken

    Pat chicken thighs dry, then rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin powder. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sear the Chicken

    Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat. Add a little olive oil if needed, then place chicken thighs skin‑side down. Cook until a deep golden crust forms, about 4‑5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium‑High

  3. Sauté Aromatics

    In the same pan, add diced onion and minced garlic (and any optional vegetables). Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 3‑4 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  4. Add Tomato Paste

    Stir in the tomato paste, breaking it up, and cook for 2 minutes to develop flavor.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  5. Add Rice and Stock

    Add rinsed basmati rice, spreading it evenly. Pour in the chicken stock, ensuring the rice is just covered. Give a quick stir to distribute the chicken pieces back on top.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Simmer Covered

    Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and let simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed all liquid, about 18‑20 minutes. Check after 15 minutes; if liquid is evaporating too fast, add a splash more stock.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Low

  7. Rest and Serve

    Turn off heat and let the pan sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork, nestle the chicken on top, and serve hot.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
450
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free

Allergens: None

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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One pan chicken and rice

Recipe by Kwokspots

A simple, flavorful one‑pan meal featuring seasoned chicken thighs, sautéed aromatics, tomato‑rich sauce, and fluffy basmati rice cooked in chicken stock. Perfect for busy weeknights and feeds the whole family.

EasyAsian‑InspiredServes 4

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

Source Video
13m
Prep
37m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.62
Total cost
$2.40
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Season and sear the chicken to develop flavor and texture
  • Do not stir after adding the stock; keep the lid on for proper steam cooking

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot skillet.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Be careful when adding stock to a hot pan to avoid splatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of one‑pan chicken and rice in Asian‑inspired home cooking?

A

One‑pan chicken and rice dishes trace back to resource‑saving meals across many Asian cultures where a single pot was used to cook protein, starch, and vegetables together, creating comforting, balanced meals for families.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of one‑pan chicken and rice exist in Asian cuisine?

A

In the Middle East, a similar dish called "Kabsa" uses spices like cardamom and raisins; in South Asia, "Chicken Biryani" layers rice and meat with yogurt and fried onions; in East Asia, "Chicken Fried Rice" often uses soy sauce and leftover chicken.

cultural
Q

How is one‑pan chicken and rice traditionally served in Asian households?

A

It is typically served hot straight from the pan, often garnished with fresh cilantro or fried onions, and accompanied by a side of pickles or a simple cucumber salad to add acidity.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations is chicken and rice a common dish in Asian cultures?

A

Chicken and rice appears at family gatherings, Lunar New Year meals, Ramadan iftars, and weekend family lunches where a quick yet satisfying dish is needed.

cultural
Q

What makes this one‑pan chicken and rice recipe special compared to other Asian rice dishes?

A

The recipe relies on a quick sear for flavor, tomato paste for a subtle umami base, and uses basmati rice for fragrant, fluffy grains, all cooked in a single skillet for minimal cleanup.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Asian‑style chicken and rice versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include bone‑in chicken thighs, basmati or jasmine rice, chicken stock, garlic, onion, and spices like cumin and paprika. Substitutes can be boneless chicken, long‑grain rice, or vegetable stock if needed.

cultural
Q

What other Asian dishes pair well with this one‑pan chicken and rice?

A

Serve with a simple cucumber‑soy salad, steamed bok choy, or a side of mango chutney to add fresh contrast. A light miso soup also complements the meal nicely.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making one‑pan chicken and rice?

A

Common errors include over‑stirring the rice after adding stock, lifting the lid too often, and using too much liquid which leads to mushy rice. Also, searing the chicken at too low a temperature prevents a proper crust.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use tomato paste instead of fresh tomatoes?

A

Tomato paste provides concentrated umami and a richer color without adding excess water, which helps the rice absorb the right amount of liquid for a fluffy texture.

technical
Q

Can I make this one‑pan chicken and rice ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can fully prepare and refrigerate the dish for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of stock, or microwave, ensuring the chicken reaches 165°F before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the rice is done?

A

The rice should be tender but each grain separate, with a slight sheen from the stock. The chicken should be juicy, with the skin still slightly crisp on top.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Kwokspots specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Kwokspots focuses on quick, family‑friendly Asian‑inspired recipes that use minimal equipment and emphasize bold flavors with simple techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Kwokspots' approach to Asian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Kwokspots prioritizes one‑pan or one‑pot meals, often adapting traditional Asian dishes for busy home cooks, whereas many other channels showcase more elaborate, multi‑step preparations.

channel

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