One-Pot Chicken Recipes are lifesavers when you want an easy, healthy dinner recipe with almost no clean-up. These 9 one-pot recipes are some of my family's favorites!
One-pot chicken recipes appear on our dinner table like clockwork. They're easy to make, I often have most of the ingredients on hand and clean-up is reduced to the one cooking pot, a cutting board and a knife. That checks all of the boxes for me when it comes to easy dinner recipes!
Whether you're cooking a one-pot meal with potatoes, with pasta or with quinoa, you can change the flavor profile simply by switching up the herbs and spices. That adds up to dishes that are endlessly versatile!
How to make one-pot chicken recipes:
- While there's not necessary one set answer to this, there is a basic formula that I often follow when making one pot meals.
- Start by searing the chicken in a little olive oil. The heat should be set to medium-high so that the pan is hot enough to brown the chicken. Browning = flavor! Once seared, set the chicken aside on a plate.
- Next, sauté the aromatics over medium heat. Onion, shallots, celery, carrots, ginger. The aromatics you use will depend on the flavor profile you're creating. For example, onions, ginger and garlic work well for Asian-inspired dishes.
- Add the garlic (I ALWAYS add garlic!), dried herbs and spices and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute. The goal is to make them fragrant without burning the garlic.
- Stir in the liquid and any grains you mights be using, such as rice, quinoa, farro or barley. For the liquid, I typically use chicken broth, or veggie broth if that's what I have on hand. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- The cooking time for the grain in your meal will determine when you add the chicken. Chicken thighs should be simmered in the liquid for about 15 to 20 minutes. So, if you're using a grain that cooks for longer, add extra liquid, cover and cook until there are 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time left. Then nestle the chicken into the mixture.
- Remove from the heat and stir in any greens, whether that's fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro or basil, or leafy greens, such as spinach.
What to use to cook one-pot meals: (Amazon links)
- In general, you want to use a large skillet-like vessel with raised sides so that the ingredients don't slosh out. Could you use a saucepan? Sure. Just make sure that it's wide enough so that the chicken can fit in one layer, which helps the chicken cook evenly.
- There are two pans that I use exclusively for one-pot meals.
- The first is my go-to Everyday Pan (affiliate link). My mother-in-law first gave me this pan years ago and it is a workhorse! It goes from stovetop to oven to tabletop with ease.
- The second pan I use is a 5-quart braiser, like this one (affiliate). While this is more of an investment, it will last you forever! Plus, it looks pretty if you're serving at the table.
One-Pot Chicken Recipes:
There is so much flavor in this convenient one-pot braised chicken and potato recipe that you won't believe how healthy it is!
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One-pot pasta is the way to go on busy weeknights. Filled with chicken and spinach, this healthy dinner is always popular! 271 calories and 6 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP
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One-Pot Chicken, Quinoa, Mushrooms and Spinach recipe...Healthy dinner, quick clean-up!
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Made from staple pantry ingredients and a side of chicken, this easy and delicious One Pot Italian Chicken and Quinoa recipe is a lifesaver on a busy night. 264 calories and 5 Weight Watchers SP
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One-pot chicken recipes can’t be beat for weeknight meals. This one-pot curry tomato chicken with potatoes is filled with light, but satisfying flavors. 269 calories and 8 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP
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One-Pot Curry Chicken, Quinoa and Cauliflower…Flavor is the name of the game in this healthy one-pot meal that’s packed with veggies and goodness! 308 calories and 8 Weight Watchers SmartPoints
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I've been making this One-Pot Cumin & Smoked Chicken recipe for years. Cooked with sliced potatoes, the chicken is perfectly spiced and tender.
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350 calories and 6 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP
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This one-pot sausage recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family. It combines chicken sausages and black beans in a tomato sauce, all in 30 minutes. 225 calories & 4 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP
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If you make this recipe, I'd love to see it on Instagram! Just use the hashtag #COOKINCANUCK and I'll be sure to find it.
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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