Budget-Friendly One-Pot Chicken And Rice

This Budget-Friendly One-Pot Chicken and Rice is an affordable, nutritious meal for the whole family. With a cost of just $1.85 per serving, it’s perfect for a wholesome, budget-friendly dinner.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) - $4.00

• 1 cup long-grain white rice - $0.60

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - $1.00

• 1 onion, diced - $0.50

• 2 carrots, peeled and diced - $0.40

• 1/2 cup frozen peas - $0.30

• 2 cloves garlic, minced - $0.20

• 1 tsp dried thyme - $0.10

• 1 tsp paprika - $0.10

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil - $0.20

Total Cost: ~$7.40 (serves 4, $1.85 per serving)

Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Sear the chicken on both sides for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, and carrots, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the rice, ensuring it gets coated with the oil and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pot, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. Add the frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 400

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 350mg

• Serving Size: 1 portion (serves 4)

Things You’ll Love About This Recipe

• One-pot meal means easy cleanup

• Budget-friendly with simple, healthy ingredients

• Hearty and filling with balanced nutrients

• Family-friendly and customizable

Expert Tips for Best Results

• Sear the chicken well to lock in flavor and moisture

• Let the rice simmer with the lid on for even cooking

• Fluff the rice with a fork to achieve the best texture

Substitutions

• Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or bone-in chicken pieces for extra flavor

• Use brown rice for added fiber, but increase cooking time by 10-15 minutes

• Add any vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini or bell peppers

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple side salad for a fresh contrast

• Add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream for a creamy topping

• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor