Name: One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Carrots, Parmesan, and Parsley Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 large carrots, shredded (about 1 cup); 1 medium onion, diced; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 teaspoons salt, divided in half; ½ teaspoon pepper; 2 cups Jasmine rice; 5 cups hot chicken broth; ½ cup Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 2 reviews

If you are looking to create a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup, this One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Carrots, Parmesan, and Parsley Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, vibrant shredded carrots, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley all in one pot, making a comforting dish that’s both delicious and visually inviting. Every spoonful bursts with layers of savory goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a large white pot, there is a bottom layer of thin orange carrot sticks spread evenly. On top of the carrots, there is a thick layer of small white chopped onions covering the center. In the middle of the onions, there is a small pile of finely minced light yellow garlic. The pot is on a white marbled surface, with some small bowls and ingredients partly visible around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, relying on ingredients that are pantry staples yet essential to building that rich, comforting flavor and texture. Each component plays a role in making this dish a memorable dinner — from the sweetness of the carrots to the creaminess of the Parmesan and the fresh brightness of parsley.

¼ cup olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth base to sauté the vegetables and chicken.
2 tablespoons butter: Gives richness and helps soften the vegetables with a velvety finish.
2 large carrots, shredded (about 1 cup): Brings natural sweetness and a lovely vibrant color to the dish.
1 medium onion, diced: Provides a savory backbone and subtle aroma.
2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Infuses the recipe with a fragrant punch that elevates every bite.
2 teaspoons salt, divided: Balances and enhances all the flavors thoughtfully.
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: The hearty protein that turns this meal into a fulfilling main course.
½ teaspoon pepper: Offers a gentle heat and depth to the seasoning.
5 cups hot chicken broth: Cooks the rice perfectly while enriching the dish with savory warmth.
2 cups Jasmine rice: A fragrant rice variety that cooks up tender and fluffy, soaking up all the flavors nicely.
¼ cup fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to brighten every serving.
½ cup Parmesan cheese: Melts in for a luscious, cheesy finish that ties everything together.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Carrots, Parmesan, and Parsley Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by warming a heavy soup pot over medium heat, then adding olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts, toss in the shredded carrots, diced onion, minced garlic, and half of the salt. Cook these together, stirring occasionally, until the veggies become tender and fragrant, about 10 minutes. This forms your flavorful base and fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Next, add your chicken pieces to the pot. Sprinkle with the remaining salt and pepper. Stir occasionally to make sure the chicken browns evenly on all sides. This step takes around 8 to 10 minutes and is crucial because those little browned bits add deep flavor to the whole dish.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in one cup of the hot chicken broth, increasing the heat to high, and stir gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps lift any browned bits stuck to the bottom, infusing the broth with that concentrated taste and preventing burning.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Add the remaining hot chicken broth and stir in the Jasmine rice. Bring the pot to a boil, then cover it and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice absorbs all the liquid and becomes tender. This cook time ensures every grain is perfectly fluffy and soaked with chicken and veggie flavors.

Step 5: Finish with Parsley and Parmesan

Turn off the heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese. Keeping the pot covered will keep the dish warm until you’re ready to serve. These additions add a fresh, cheesy, and slightly nutty dimension that makes this recipe so wonderfully satisfying.

How to Serve One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Carrots, Parmesan, and Parsley Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a creamy rice dish inside a white cooking pot. The rice is soft and pale yellow, mixed with small pieces of orange carrot and chunks of light brown chicken. The texture looks slightly creamy and moist, with small bits of green herbs scattered throughout. The pot has a smooth white inside and is set against a white marbled surface in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle additional chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to enhance the richness and presentation. A wedge of lemon on the side can offer a bright, zesty balance if you want to add some citrusy freshness.

Side Dishes

This one-pot wonder shines as a stand-alone meal, but if you want to round it out, light side dishes like a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables pair beautifully. Something simple like garlic steamed green beans or a mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy, cheesy chicken and rice.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the dish in individual bowls topped with a sprig of parsley for an inviting, rustic look. For a fun twist at a dinner party, scoop portions into small ramekins, sprinkle extra Parmesan, and broil momentarily for a crispy golden top. This personalized presentation makes the meal feel even more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The dish keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or a no-fuss dinner the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers by packing them into freezer-safe containers. Keep the dish for up to 2 months frozen. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor.

Reheating

To warm up, gently reheat your stored portions in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps maintain moisture so the rice stays fluffy and the chicken remains tender.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Jasmine rice works beautifully for its fragrance and texture, you can substitute with long-grain white rice or even brown rice, though cooking times will vary. Brown rice will take longer to cook and may require more liquid.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the butter and Parmesan cheese or swap them for dairy-free alternatives. Using olive oil instead of butter still gives a nice richness, and nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?

Boneless chicken breasts are recommended for even cooking in this one-pot dish, but bone-in pieces can work if you adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through. You might need to simmer a bit longer to get the rice tender.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes during the sauté step or stir in a dash of hot sauce right before serving. Fresh chopped jalapeños can also be added with the onions and carrots for a spicy kick.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly after adding Parmesan and parsley?

It’s best to add the Parmesan and parsley fresh after reheating leftovers. Cheese and herbs can lose texture and flavor when frozen, so keep them separate and sprinkle on just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Carrots, Parmesan, and Parsley Recipe truly earns its place in your meal rotation with its ease, comforting flavors, and beautiful simplicity. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying without all the fuss. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed weeknight dinners without it!