Easy One-Pot Chicken & Rice (With Vigo Rice Mix)

If you’re searching for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner, this Easy One-Pot Chicken & Rice is exactly what you need. It’s flavorful, filling, and comes together in just about 30 minutes with simple ingredients. Using Vigo Mexican or Yellow Rice makes this dish foolproof, while seasoned chicken and sautéed onions bring a homemade touch that takes it to the next level.

This recipe is perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it with toppings like avocado, cilantro, or salsa for a customizable, restaurant-style finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pot = Less Cleanup → Everything cooks in one pan, which means fewer dishes!

• 30-Minute Dinner → From stovetop to table in half an hour.

• Family-Friendly → Mild enough for kids, but easy to spice up with cayenne or hot salsa.

• Customizable → Use chicken thighs, add bell peppers, or swap rice flavors for variety.

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 2 chicken breasts (I used one breast + one thigh), cubed

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp cayenne or Creole seasoning

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 2 bags Vigo Mexican Rice or Yellow Rice

• Water (according to package instructions)

Optional toppings: fresh parsley, avocado slices, salsa, sour cream, cilantro

Instructions

1. Sauté the Onion → In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until tender and translucent.

2. Season the Chicken → While onions cook, season cubed chicken with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne/Creole seasoning, and pepper.

3. Cook the Chicken → Add seasoned chicken to the skillet with onions. Sauté until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Add Rice → Stir in both bags of Vigo rice, mixing well to coat in the onion-chicken mixture.

5. Add Water → Pour in water according to the package directions (this varies slightly depending on the flavor of Vigo rice you choose). Stir.

6. Simmer → Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and cook undisturbed for 20 minutes.

7. Finish & Serve → Fluff rice with a fork. Top with parsley, avocado, salsa, sour cream, or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

   
   

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the rice dries out.

• Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as above.

• Canning Note: This dish is not suitable for canning since it includes rice and chicken. For long-term storage, freezing is the safest option.

Serving Ideas

This chicken & rice can easily be a full meal, but it’s also versatile enough to pair with:

• A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette

• Roasted vegetables (like zucchini, peppers, or broccoli)

• Warm tortillas on the side

Final Thoughts

This quick and hearty One-Pot Chicken & Rice is a dinner you’ll want on repeat. It’s customizable, comforting, and easy enough for even the busiest weeknights.

If you make it, let me know in the comments or share your plate on Instagram @491westmainst — I love seeing your creations!