One-Pot Chicken and Rice
3–5 yearsDinnerEasy Win

One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Diced chicken thigh, carrot and peas cooked together with long-grain rice in seasoned stock — a simple one-pot dinner ready in 45 minutes.

Prep

15 min

Cook

30 min

Total

45 min

Yield

6 child portions

Nutrition note

Chicken provides protein and iron; rice gives energy. Carrot and peas add fiber and varied color.

Ingredients

  • 11 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2500 g boneless skinless chicken thigh, diced
  • 31 small onion, finely chopped
  • 41 carrot, diced small
  • 51 cup (180 g) long-grain rice, rinsed
  • 62 1/2 cups (600 ml) low-sodium chicken stock
  • 71 cup (150 g) frozen peas
  • 81/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Method

  1. 1

    Heat oil in a wide pot. Brown chicken for 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add onion and carrot; cook for 4 minutes.

  3. 3

    Stir in rice and thyme, then add stock. Bring to a simmer.

  4. 4

    Cover and cook on low for 18 minutes, stirring once.

  5. 5

    Add peas, cover and cook for 4 more minutes. Check chicken is fully cooked and rice is tender.

Complete the Meal

Serve with yogurt or sliced avocado.

Allergens

Check stock for allergens and sodium.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use turkey instead of chicken.
  • Use chickpeas and vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
  • Use frozen mixed vegetables for convenience.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate for up to 2 days and reheat rice thoroughly only once.

Freezer Guidance

Freeze promptly in shallow portions for up to 1 month.

Picky-Eater Strategy

Serve chicken, rice and peas in separate small piles if mixed dishes are difficult.

Little Helper Job

Let your child add the peas and fluff the rice after cooling slightly.

Evidence-informed draft; pending review by a licensed pediatric dietitian before public health claims are made.

Darling Bites

Real food, real families. Simple recipes your little ones will actually eat.

Weekly recipes

Get fresh toddler-friendly recipes delivered to your inbox every week.

© 2026 Darling Bites. Made with love for little eaters.