Cozy One-Pot Chicken & Rice (Gluten-Free)
This Cozy One-Pot Chicken & Rice (Gluten-Free) is creamy, comforting, and ready in 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights and gluten-free families.
You know those evenings when everyone’s starving, the kitchen’s a mess, and you just need something warm on the table? That’s exactly when this Cozy One-Pot Chicken & Rice (Gluten-Free) becomes your best friend. I created this recipe during one of those chaotic Tuesday nights when my kids were melting down and I desperately needed something nourishing without a mountain of dishes.
This easy dinner gluten free dairy free recipe comes together in one pot with simple ingredients you probably already have. The chicken gets tender, the rice soaks up all that savory broth, and everything melds into pure comfort food magic. No weird ingredients, no complicated steps—just real food that makes your whole family happy.
Well… let me tell you, the best part isn’t even how delicious it tastes. It’s watching everyone go back for seconds while you’re secretly celebrating that there’s only one pot to wash. This quick easy dinner gluten free recipe has saved more weeknights than I can count, and it’s about to become your new go-to meal too.
Table of Contents
Cozy One-Pot Chicken & Rice (Gluten-Free)
Equipment
- Large pot or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add your diced chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s lightly browned on the edges. You’ll know it’s ready when you hear that lovely sizzling sound and see golden bits forming on the chicken pieces.
- Stir in the chopped onion and let it cook for 2–3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds—you’ll smell that amazing garlicky aroma filling your kitchen. Don’t let the garlic brown or it’ll taste bitter.
- Toss in the rice, sliced carrots, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to make sure the rice is evenly distributed and nothing’s sticking to the bottom. This is where your Cozy One-Pot Chicken & Rice really starts coming together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover your pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The rice should be perfectly tender and the liquid mostly absorbed—it’ll look creamy and smell absolutely heavenly.
- Stir in the almond milk and fresh parsley, then simmer uncovered for another 3–4 minutes until everything’s beautifully creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve this warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness with extra parsley sprinkled on top.
Notes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Small onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Long grain white rice | 1 cup |
| Carrots, sliced | 2 medium |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 3 cups |
| Dried thyme | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add your diced chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s lightly browned on the edges. You’ll know it’s ready when you hear that lovely sizzling sound and see golden bits forming on the chicken pieces.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics Stir in the chopped onion and let it cook for 2–3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds—you’ll smell that amazing garlicky aroma filling your kitchen. Don’t let the garlic brown or it’ll taste bitter.
Step 3: Add Main Ingredients Toss in the rice, sliced carrots, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to make sure the rice is evenly distributed and nothing’s sticking to the bottom. This is where your Cozy One-Pot Chicken & Rice (Gluten-Free) really starts coming together.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover your pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The rice should be perfectly tender and the liquid mostly absorbed—it’ll look creamy and smell absolutely heavenly.
Step 5: Finish with Creamy Goodness Stir in the almond milk and fresh parsley, then simmer uncovered for another 3–4 minutes until everything’s beautifully creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve this warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness with extra parsley sprinkled on top.
Substitutions for Your Cozy One-Pot Chicken & Rice
Protein Swaps Don’t have chicken breast? Boneless thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy in this easy dinner gluten free dairy free dish. You can also use turkey breast, or swap in chickpeas for a plant-based version that’s equally satisfying.
Rice Alternatives Long grain white rice is my go-to, but brown rice works too—just add 10 more minutes and an extra 1/2 cup of broth. For a truly gluten dairy grain free recipes option, try cauliflower rice (add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid mushiness).
Milk Options Any milk you have on hand works perfectly here. Coconut milk makes it richer, oat milk keeps it creamy, and regular dairy milk is fine if that’s not a concern for your family. According to registered dietitians specializing in gluten-free nutrition, choosing fortified plant-based milks ensures you’re getting essential nutrients while keeping meals dairy-free.
Veggie Additions Man, oh man, you can really make this recipe your own with different vegetables! Frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or chopped zucchini all blend seamlessly into this quick easy dinner gluten free meal. Just toss them in with the carrots and let everything cook together.
Troubleshooting Your One-Pot Chicken & Rice
Rice Too Dry or Undercooked? If your rice isn’t tender after 20 minutes, add 1/4 cup more broth and continue simmering covered for 5 more minutes. Every stove cooks differently, and sometimes rice just needs a little extra time and liquid to reach that perfect fluffy texture.
Chicken Overcooked? If you notice your chicken getting tough, you might’ve cooked it on too high heat initially. Next time, keep the heat at medium and don’t overcook in step one—the chicken finishes cooking during the simmering phase anyway.
Too Watery? Remove the lid during the last few minutes and let the excess liquid evaporate while stirring occasionally. The rice will continue absorbing moisture, and you’ll end up with that creamy, not soupy, consistency we’re after.
Sticking to the Bottom? This usually means the heat’s too high or you need to stir more often during simmering. Lower your heat and give it a gentle stir every 5–7 minutes to keep everything moving and prevent burning.
Storage and Meal Prep
This Cozy One-Pot Chicken & Rice (Gluten-Free) keeps beautifully in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 minutes, adding a splash of broth or milk if it’s dried out. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For meal prep, I love making a double batch on Sunday and portioning it into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making your leftovers taste even better than the original meal—which is saying something!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your easy dinner gluten free dairy free creation with a simple side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a complete meal. A slice of crusty gluten-free bread for dipping into those creamy juices makes it even more special, especially on chilly fall evenings.
For family gatherings around Thanksgiving, this pairs wonderfully alongside roasted vegetables or as a comforting main dish when you need something everyone can eat. It’s filling enough to stand alone but also plays well with others on a crowded dinner table.
Variations for Every Family
Kid-Friendly Version Leave out the black pepper if your little ones are sensitive to spice, and dice everything extra small for easier eating. My kids love when I stir in a handful of shredded cheddar at the end (skip if keeping dairy-free), turning it into what they call “cheesy chicken rice.”
Extra Veggie-Packed Sneak in finely chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for an extra nutritional boost without changing the flavor. This turns your quick easy dinner gluten free into a complete one-pot wonder with protein, grains, and greens all in one bowl.
Herb Variations While thyme is classic, you can experiment with Italian seasoning, rosemary, or even a pinch of paprika for different flavor profiles. Each herb transforms this basic recipe into something that feels completely new while using the same simple technique.
Dairy Version If dairy isn’t an issue for your family, swap the almond milk for heavy cream or whole milk for an ultra-rich, restaurant-style finish. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top takes it over the edge into pure comfort food territory.
Cozy One-Pot Chicken & Rice FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs make this Cozy One-Pot Chicken & Rice (Gluten-Free) even more flavorful and juicy since they have more fat. Just trim any excess fat before dicing and follow the exact same cooking instructions.
How do I know when the rice is perfectly cooked?
Your rice is done when it’s tender to bite with no hard center and has absorbed most of the liquid, leaving just a creamy sauce coating everything. If you’re unsure, taste a few grains—they should be soft and fluffy, not crunchy or mushy.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Add 2–3 tablespoons of chicken broth or milk to your leftovers before reheating in the microwave for 1.5–2 minutes, stirring halfway through. This extra moisture keeps everything creamy and prevents that dried-out texture reheated rice often gets.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function for steps 1–3, then add everything else and pressure cook on high for 8 minutes with natural release. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious for this easy dinner gluten free dairy free meal.
Why does my chicken get rubbery?
Overcooking is usually the culprit—remember, the chicken continues cooking during the simmering phase. Brown it just until lightly golden in step one, and it’ll finish cooking perfectly as the rice simmers. If you’re using chicken thighs, they’re more forgiving than breasts.
Best way to make this more flavorful?
Season your chicken with salt and pepper before browning, use homemade rich chicken bone broth for deeper flavor, and don’t skip the fresh parsley at the end. These small touches transform a simple gluten dairy grain free recipes dish into something restaurant-worthy.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families
This Cozy One-Pot Chicken & Rice (Gluten-Free) checks every box for weeknight success. It’s naturally gluten-free without requiring specialty ingredients, uses pantry staples you probably already have, and comes together faster than ordering takeout. The one-pot method means minimal cleanup—something every busy parent can appreciate.
The beauty of this quick easy dinner gluten free recipe is its flexibility. Forgotten to thaw meat? It still works. Need to use up random vegetables? Toss them in. Kids being picky? It’s mild enough to please everyone while being flavorful enough to satisfy adults.
Plus, it’s genuinely nourishing without being fussy about it. You’re getting complete protein from the chicken, fiber and vitamins from the carrots, and comforting carbs from the rice—all in one satisfying bowl. No guilt, no stress, just real food that makes everyone at your table happy.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to gluten-free cooking or you’ve been at it for years, this Cozy One-Pot Chicken & Rice (Gluten-Free) deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make once and then find yourself craving on repeat—especially during those crazy weeks when you need something reliable and delicious.
I hope this easy dinner gluten free dairy free recipe brings as much comfort to your kitchen as it has to mine. There’s something special about a meal that feeds your family well without stressing you out. That’s exactly what this one-pot wonder does, week after week.
More Cozy Gluten-Free Recipes You’ll Love:
Looking for more comforting one-pot meals? Try this creamy gluten and dairy free chicken pot pie that’s perfect for chilly evenings when you need something extra cozy.
When you’re craving something sweet after dinner, these chewy gluten-free monster cookie bars satisfy every sweet tooth without any complicated techniques.
And for your holiday dessert table, this silky vegan pumpkin pie proves that gluten-free baking can be absolutely show-stopping without dairy or eggs.
