What are some easy one pot meal ideas?

Easy one pot meal ideas include dishes like chili, pasta with marinara, and chicken and rice. These recipes are simple to prepare and require minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one pot.

Are one pot meals healthy?

Yes, one pot meals can be healthy when made with lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables. Options like quinoa with vegetables, lentil soup, or turkey chili are nutritious and balanced.

What types of cookware are best for one pot meals?

For one pot meals, a large Dutch oven, a deep skillet, or a slow cooker are ideal. These can handle a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to pasta and casseroles.

Can I meal prep one pot meals?

Yes, you can meal prep one pot meals by chopping vegetables and pre-cooking proteins ahead of time. Many one pot dishes, like soups and stews, also reheat well for leftovers.

Easy One Pot Meals for Busy Weeknights

Description

This One-Pot Chicken and Rice is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It’s loaded with tender chicken, fragrant rice, and colorful vegetables, all cooked in one pan.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Season the chicken thighs with paprika, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and carrot for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the rice, making sure to coat it well with the oil and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.

Notes

You can swap chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time slightly.
Add frozen peas or spinach for extra vegetables.
For more flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with rice
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 100mg