One-Pot Chicken and Rice

There's something quietly satisfying about opening your pantry and finding everything you need for a proper meal already there. One weeknight, I was staring at cans of chicken and rice, thinking about how to stretch my groceries, when this one-pot version of arroz con pollo came together almost accidentally. It's the kind of dish that doesn't ask for much but gives you back comfort and a full pot that feels far more generous than its humble ingredients.

I made this for my sister on a random Wednesday when money was tight and we both needed something warm in our hands. Watching her take that first bite and actually pause—not out of politeness, but because she was genuinely tasting it—that moment stuck with me. Budget cooking doesn't have to feel like settling.

Ingredients

• Canned chicken breast: Two cups drained gives you lean protein that's already cooked, so all it has to do is warm through and absorb the spices around it.
• Long grain white rice: One and a half cups uncooked will double in volume and soak up every drop of broth, turning fluffy instead of gummy if you resist the urge to stir.
• Mixed vegetables: One drained can adds color and texture without any prep work; frozen works just as well if that's what you have.
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Keep the liquid—it's liquid gold for this dish, bringing acidity and a gentle heat that rounds everything out.
• Onion: Optional but worth it if you can grab one; three minutes of sautéing wakes up the whole pot.
• Chicken broth: Three cups is your foundation; bouillon cubes stirred into hot water work beautifully here.
• Vegetable oil: Two tablespoons is enough to toast the rice and carry the heat of the spices without making anything greasy.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, cumin: This combination is what transforms canned ingredients into something that tastes thoughtfully seasoned, not processed.
• Salt and black pepper: Start with half a teaspoon of salt; you can always add more, but you can't take it back.

Instructions

Warm the oil and soften the onion:

Pour two tablespoons of oil into a large pot set over medium heat. If you've got an onion, chop it finely and let it cook for two or three minutes until it goes soft and the kitchen starts smelling like something real is happening.

Toast the rice:

Add your rice to the warm oil and stir it constantly for about two minutes, listening for that subtle toasting sound as the grains dry out slightly. This step transforms plain rice into something with backbone.

Add chicken, vegetables, and tomatoes:

Dump in your drained canned chicken, the can of mixed vegetables, and pour in that can of tomatoes with all its liquid. Stir everything so the rice gets distributed and nothing sticks to the bottom.

Pour in the broth and seasonings:

Add three cups of broth, then sprinkle in your garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir the whole thing together until it looks even and the spices aren't sitting in clumps.

Bring to a boil, then simmer low:

Turn the heat up until you see it bubbling, then immediately lower it down to the gentlest simmer and cover. Set a timer for eighteen to twenty minutes and resist the urge to lift the lid and peek.

Fluff and taste:

When the time is up, the rice should be tender and the liquid absorbed. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, taste it, and adjust salt or pepper if needed.

Save

The thing that got me about this dish was how it sat on the table looking almost plain, and then someone went back for seconds without asking. There's no fancy presentation here, just honest food that fills you up and makes you feel taken care of.

Why This Recipe Works When You're Stretching Groceries

Canned chicken and shelf-stable ingredients don't get much respect in cooking, but they're the backbone of meals that happen even when nothing else lines up. This recipe doesn't apologize for what it is—it leans into it. The spices do the heavy lifting, transforming what could feel like a sad weeknight into something you'd actually choose to make.

Customizing It Without Losing the Magic

The beauty of this one-pot dinner is how forgiving it is. Swap the canned chicken for rotisserie chicken torn into pieces, or use leftover cooked chicken thighs if you've got them. If you want heat, a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce wakes everything up. A squeeze of lime or fresh cilantro at the end feels like a small luxury, and it costs almost nothing.

Make It Your Own Without Overthinking It

Some nights you're cooking with time and headspace to spare, and some nights you're just trying to get something on the table that doesn't come from a drive-through. This recipe lives in that second space, and it doesn't apologize for it. The canned vegetables are fine, the canned chicken is fine, and the result is actually delicious.

• If cilantro or lime juice is available, add it right before serving for brightness that makes a real difference.
• Check your canned chicken and broth labels for anything you're sensitive to, even though this is naturally dairy-free.
• Leftover chicken thighs or even rotisserie chicken work perfectly if you want to swap things out next time you make this.

Save

This is the kind of recipe that teaches you that budget cooking isn't about making do—it's about knowing what you're doing. A full, satisfying dinner made from things that cost next to nothing tastes even better when you realize you did it yourself.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?

Yes, freshly cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken can be substituted. Just add it towards the end of cooking to retain moisture.

→ What type of rice works best for this dish?

Long grain white rice is ideal as it cooks evenly and stays fluffy without becoming mushy.

→ How can I make the dish spicier?

Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce will give the dish a gentle heat boost.

→ Is it possible to use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen mixed vegetables can replace canned ones; just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they heat through.

→ What can I do to enhance the flavor further?

Adding fresh lime juice or chopped cilantro after cooking enhances freshness and brightness.