Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! If there’s one culinary philosophy I live by, especially on a busy weeknight, it’s the magic of the one-pot meal. Who wants a sink full of dishes after cooking a delicious dinner? Not me, and I bet not you either! That’s why I’m thrilled to share my absolute favorite one-pot creation – it’s a dish that consistently delivers big on flavor with minimal cleanup, making it the most popular meal in my house, hands down.

Why I Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a lifesaver. What makes this particular one-pot meal my go-to? It’s the perfect trifecta: it’s incredibly easy to make, brimming with comforting flavors, and requires just one pot from start to finish. It’s the kind of meal that feels wholesome and satisfying, yet comes together with such little effort, leaving you more time to actually enjoy your evening. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable, so you can tweak it to suit whatever you have on hand or what your family prefers.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this ultimate one-pot wonder:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack), for topping
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
• Sliced avocado or sour cream, for serving (optional)

Swaps and Notes

• Protein: Not a fan of chicken? You can easily swap it for ground turkey, ground beef, or even sliced sausage. Adjust cooking times as needed. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add an extra can of black beans or kidney beans.
• Veggies: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach can be added. Just toss them in when you add the corn.
• Rice: While white rice works perfectly, you can experiment with brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the chicken broth by about 1/2 to 1 cup and extend the cooking time.
• Spice Level: If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño along with the garlic. For less heat, reduce the chili powder.
• Cheese: Any good melting cheese will work here. Pepper Jack will add a nice kick, or a Mexican blend would be perfect.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. You don’t need to cook it through at this stage. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the same pot, adding a tiny bit more oil if needed. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients: Return the chicken to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), rinsed black beans, corn, uncooked rice, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine everything.
4. Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too often during this time.
5. Rest and Top: Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and distribute moisture evenly.
6. Cheese It Up: Uncover, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and re-cover for a few more minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve hot straight from the pot!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Peek! Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice is simmering. Trapped steam is essential for cooking the rice evenly and thoroughly.
• Adjust Liquid: If your rice isn’t quite tender after 20 minutes, or if it seems too dry, add a splash more broth (about 1/4 cup at a time), stir gently, and continue to simmer, covered, for a few more minutes.
• Brown the Chicken: Getting a good sear on the chicken at the beginning adds a layer of flavor that you don’t want to miss.
• Stir Well: Make sure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid before covering and simmering to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This one-pot meal is hearty enough on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even better:

• Fresh Toppings: Beyond cilantro and avocado, consider a squeeze of lime juice, a sprinkle of hot sauce, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative to sour cream.
• Simple Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would be a perfect fresh contrast.
• Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread is fantastic for soaking up any leftover savory juices.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers of this one-pot meal are fantastic! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave (stirring occasionally) or gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems dry, until heated through. This meal also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of the ease and deliciousness of one-pot meals, you’re in luck! I have a few more favorites that I know you’ll adore:

• For another fantastic all-in-one dinner that’s always a hit, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a must-try.
• If you’re looking for ultimate comfort food made easy, dive into this Instant Pot Lasagna.
• And for a fun and cheesy twist on a weeknight classic, you have to try this Dorito Casserole.
• Sometimes, all you need is a classic done right, so don’t forget my foolproof Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
• And if you’re feeding a crowd and want something guaranteed to please, these Chicken Enchiladas are a winner.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a flavorful, wholesome meal with minimal fuss. This one-pot wonder embodies that perfectly. It’s truly a testament to how simple cooking can still be incredibly rewarding. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a regular in your weeknight rotation!

What are your go-to one-pot meals? I’d love to hear your ideas and tips in the comments below. And as always, for more kitchen hacks and delicious recipes, make sure to follow Chef Maniac!