One Pot Roast Chicken and Rice Recipe

During my travels through the French countryside, I discovered that the simplest meals often carry the most heart.

This One Pot Roast Chicken and Rice Recipe dish reminded me of the comforting family-style meals served in rustic French homes warm, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.

Known locally as Poulet rôti au riz, it’s especially popular in southern France, where fragrant herbs like thyme and sage grow abundantly.

Every bite feels like a taste of Provence simple ingredients elevated by patience and love. 

Ingredients

Here is the list of ingredients you’ll need to create this comforting one-pot meal.

• 6 chicken thighs, skin-on or off – Chicken thighs are great here because they stay moist and tender during the longer cooking time, but breasts also work well.
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – A good quality olive oil adds a foundational layer of flavor.
• 2 shallots, chopped – Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor than onions, which complements the herbs beautifully.
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped – Always use fresh garlic for the best, most aromatic result.
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped thyme – Fresh herbs are a game-changer; they provide a much brighter flavor than dried.
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage – Sage adds that classic, earthy poultry seasoning taste.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – This blend brings together all the familiar, comforting Italian flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder – Just a touch for a subtle warmth, not enough to make it spicy.
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste – Season generously to bring out all the flavors in the dish.
• 1 1/2 cups dry wild rice – Its nutty flavor and firm texture hold up well during baking.
• 1/2 cup dry orzo – This small pasta cooks with the rice and adds a lovely textural contrast.
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms – Cremini or button mushrooms work perfectly, adding an earthy depth.
• 1 cup chopped celery – Celery provides a nice bit of freshness and a slight crunch.
• 1 cup cubed gouda cheese – For the best melt and flavor, grate or cube your cheese from a block.
• 1 cup apple cider or dry white wine – The acidity helps to deglaze the pan and adds a wonderful brightness to the sauce.
• 2 cups chicken broth – Use a low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of the final dish.
• 6 tablespoons salted butter – This is the secret to juicy chicken and rich, flavorful rice.

Note: This recipe makes enough for several servings, perfect for a family dinner.

Variations

This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also easy to adapt to your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the gouda cheese and use a dairy-free butter substitute or an equal amount of olive oil in place of the butter. The dish will still be rich and flavorful.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your Italian seasoning and chicken broth are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free of gluten.
• Flavor Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped carrots, leeks, or spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking. For a different flavor profile, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end or a pinch of smoked paprika with the other spices.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Equipment You Need

• 9×13 inch baking dish or large oven-safe skillet: This is where you’ll build and bake the entire meal, making cleanup a breeze.
• Lid or Aluminum Foil: You’ll need to cover the dish to trap steam, which is essential for cooking the rice properly.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the vegetables, herbs, and garlic.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you have the right proportions for a perfectly balanced dish.

How to Make One Pot Roast Chicken and Rice Recipe?

This all-in-one meal is designed for simplicity. You combine everything in one dish and let the oven do most of the work, resulting in a deeply flavorful meal with minimal effort. The key is allowing the rice to absorb the broth and chicken drippings while the chicken roasts to golden-brown perfection.

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large 9×13 inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet, add the chicken thighs, olive oil, chopped shallots, garlic, fresh thyme, sage, Italian seasoning, and chili powder. Season everything generously with salt and pepper, and toss until the chicken is well-coated.

Step 2: Add Rice, Veggies, and Liquid

To the same dish, add the dry wild rice, orzo, sliced mushrooms, celery, and cubed gouda cheese. Pour the apple cider (or white wine) and chicken broth over everything. Stir gently to combine, then arrange the chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Place pats of butter on top of and around the chicken.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the cover and return the dish to the oven. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, and the rice is fluffy and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, making it even more tender. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. You can garnish with extra fresh thyme if you like.

🇫🇷 French Countryside Comfort: One Pot Roast Chicken and Rice

Traveling through southern France, I quickly learned that comfort food here is all about simplicity and heart. This One Pot Roast Chicken and Rice, or Poulet rôti au riz, is a beloved classic from the Provence region, where fresh herbs like thyme and sage flourish. 

It reflects the French love for rustic, slow-cooked dishes that bring families together. Each spoonful carries the warmth of Provence’s golden fields, fragrant vineyards, and the timeless charm of rural French kitchens.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made this a few times, I’ve picked up some tricks that really elevate the final dish.

• Don’t skip the rest: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the dish rest for at least 5 minutes makes a huge difference. The chicken becomes juicier, and the flavors have a chance to settle.
• Check your rice: Different brands of wild rice can have slightly different cooking times. If I notice the rice is still a bit firm after the initial bake, I add another 1/3 cup of warm broth or water, cover it again, and pop it back in the oven for 10 more minutes.
• Get a good sear (optional): If I have a few extra minutes, I sometimes sear the chicken thighs in the skillet on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes per side before adding the other ingredients. This adds a deeper color and a richer flavor to the chicken skin.

How to Serve One Pot Roast Chicken and Rice?

In France, this dish is often enjoyed family-style, straight from the baking dish to the table. Locals pair it with a crisp green salad, crusty baguette, and a glass of dry white wine from Provence or apple cider from Normandy to complement the savory richness. It’s a communal meal meant to be shared, evoking the warmth of rural kitchens and the charm of French countryside living—wholesome, hearty, and irresistibly comforting. 

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is great for meal prep and stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers.

Make Ahead: You can chop all the vegetables and mix the dry seasonings ahead of time to make assembly quicker. Store the prepped veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Storing: Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: You can freeze this dish, but be aware that the texture of the rice may change slightly upon reheating. To freeze, let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken and rice in a baking dish covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method helps retain the best texture.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving for this recipe.

• Calories: 679 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 36g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this easy and comforting one-pot meal.

• Effortless Preparation: Everything comes together in a single baking dish, which means minimal prep and even less cleanup. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for a busy day.
• Incredible Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs, savory chicken, and rich butter creates a sauce that soaks into the rice, making every single bite packed with flavor. It’s a truly satisfying and cozy dish.
• Completely Customizable: You can easily swap out the vegetables for whatever you have in your fridge or change up the herbs to suit your taste. It’s a versatile recipe that’s easy to make your own.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: While it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, it’s also impressive enough to serve to guests. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both rustic and elegant.