Let me introduce you to the kind of cozy, soul-warming dinner that checks all the boxes for a busy night: One-Pot Italian Tomato Chicken and Rice. This is pure comfort food—tender chicken, vibrant tomatoes, fluffy rice, and fragrant herbs, all coming together in one pot that’s as easy to clean as it is to cook. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this one-dish wonder brings flavor, color, and nostalgia straight to the table in under 40 minutes. It’s every bit as delicious as it is effortless, and I promise you’ll want to revisit it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Every item serves a delicious purpose: from creamy chicken and savory broth to aromatic garlic and Italian herbs, each one adds a flavorful layer, deep color, or perfect bite. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you shouldn’t skip any!):
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless pieces; thighs add extra juiciness, while breasts are lean and tender.
- Olive oil: Adds lovely richness and helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
- Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and forms the flavor base for the whole dish.
- Garlic: Essential for that classic Italian aroma and a punch of savory flavor.
- Long-grain white rice: Cooks up fluffy and absorbs all those delicious juices—ideal for this one-pot method!
- Diced tomatoes (with juices): The tomatoes make everything bright and saucy, while their juice ensures a perfectly tender rice.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor for that rich, “cooked-all-day” taste.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Lets you control the salt while infusing the rice with savory warmth.
- Italian seasoning: Delivers incredible, herbaceous notes that make this dish distinctly Italian.
- Dried basil: Enhances the herbal layers and pairs beautifully with the tomatoes.
- Salt: Brightens and balances every bite—season as you go for the best results.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and rounds out the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For a salty-savory finish that melts luxuriously into the rice.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle of green is the perfect fresh touch before serving.
How to Make One-Pot Italian Tomato Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. As it shimmers, add your chicken chunks and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and dried basil. Sear the chicken pieces for about 4 to 5 minutes, just until they are browned and fragrant (don’t worry, they don’t need to be cooked through at this point). This first step locks in juices and gets those savory spices working right from the start.
Step 2: Add the Onion and Garlic
Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, and gently sauté everything for 2 to 3 minutes. The onions will begin to soften and turn a bit golden, while the garlic infuses the oil and chicken with its unmistakable aroma. This is where your kitchen starts to smell like an Italian trattoria!
Step 3: Stir in Tomato Paste
Add the tomato paste and cook it for about a minute, stirring well. This important step caramelizes the paste, giving the One-Pot Italian Tomato Chicken and Rice incredible depth and a rich, savory undertone that makes the tomato flavor truly pop.
Step 4: Add Rice, Tomatoes, and Broth
Pour in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (including all those flavorful juices), and chicken broth. Give the mix a good stir to ensure everything is well combined and the rice is generously coated in that tomato-rich base.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover and let everything simmer for 18 to 22 minutes. The rice will soak up all the flavors, becoming tender and fluffy, while the chicken finishes cooking and stays incredibly moist. If you want to add extra veggies like spinach or zucchini, toss them in during the last five minutes of cooking.
Step 6: Add Cheese & Serve
Once the rice is perfectly cooked, stir in Parmesan cheese if you’re using it, letting it melt right into the dish for that creamy-salty finish. Top with fresh basil or parsley just before serving—it adds bright, fresh color and a hint of herbal zest. Your One-Pot Italian Tomato Chicken and Rice is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve One-Pot Italian Tomato Chicken and Rice
Garnishes
A little finishing touch goes a long way! Sprinkle your steaming pot of One-Pot Italian Tomato Chicken and Rice generously with freshly chopped basil or parsley for an instant burst of freshness. A final dusting of Parmesan cheese also makes the colors pop and the flavors even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish shines beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or a loaf of crusty Italian bread to mop up every saucy grain of rice. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also make wonderful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special weeknight, spoon the One-Pot Italian Tomato Chicken and Rice into shallow bowls and top each with a soft-poached egg or extra herbs for a “bistro” touch. You can also serve this dish family-style straight from the pot—it makes for a dramatic and inviting centerpiece, and everyone loves seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover One-Pot Italian Tomato Chicken and Rice to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. This dish keeps well for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep or easy next-day lunches.
Freezing
Cool the dish completely before freezing, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It holds up beautifully in the freezer for up to two months—the tomato base helps protect the rice from getting mushy. When you’re ready for a quick, homemade meal, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen everything up, then warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Stir well and heat through until piping hot, then finish with fresh herbs or cheese to bring those flavors back to life.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! You can swap in long-grain brown rice for even more nutrition. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook (about 35–40 minutes), and you’ll need to add roughly ¾ cup more broth. Be sure to check the texture and add extra liquid if needed.
What chicken cut works best?
Both chicken thighs and chicken breasts work beautifully in One-Pot Italian Tomato Chicken and Rice. Thighs offer a bit more tenderness and richness, but breasts make the meal lighter. Pick what you love—just keep the chunks bite-sized for even cooking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Simply skip the Parmesan cheese at the end for a completely dairy-free version. Rest assured, it’s still bursting with Italian flavors, and a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs will add all the brightness you need.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Be sure to stir the pot once or twice during the first few minutes after adding the rice and liquids, then cover tightly and let it simmer on very low heat. This helps ensure even cooking. Using a heavy-bottomed pot or skillet also makes a big difference in preventing sticking!
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Baby spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or even peas can be added during the last five minutes of simmering. The One-Pot Italian Tomato Chicken and Rice is super adaptable if you want to sneak in more veggies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new staple that’s as inviting as it is easy, One-Pot Italian Tomato Chicken and Rice should absolutely be on your menu. With its irresistible aroma, beautiful colors, and hearty flavors, it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table linger for just one more bite. Treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this crowd-pleaser—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
One-Pot Italian Tomato Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy one-pot meal featuring Italian flavors with tender chicken, rice, and a savory tomato base. This comforting dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into chunks)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season and sear chicken in olive oil.
- Sauté Aromatics: Cook onion and garlic until softened.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in tomato paste, rice, tomatoes, and broth.
- Cook: Simmer covered until rice is tender.
- Finish: Stir in Parmesan, garnish, and serve.
Notes
- For added vegetables, include spinach or zucchini.
- Brown rice can be used with adjusted cooking time and liquid.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
