One Pot Sweet & Savory Chicken and Rice
This one pot sweet & savory chicken and rice recipe is made with simple pantry ingredients and packed with flavor. It’s an easy family dinner that comes together in less than 30-minutes!
You know those nights when you just need to throw everything together and hope for the best? This is one of those recipes that somehow turns out amazing every time.
We made this on a busy evening and I barely had time to sit down before someone asked for seconds. And then thirds. And then “is there more?”… which is always the sign of a winning dinner in this house.
Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is one of those easy chicken and rice recipes that feels like comfort food with a twist. The brown sugar and ketchup create a sweet and tangy sauce, while the onion soup mix adds a deep savory flavor that balances everything out.
It’s simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a hungry family without a lot of effort.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, cut into cubes – Boneless, skinless chicken that becomes tender and juicy as it cooks.
- 4 cups white rice – A hearty base that soaks up all the sweet and savory sauce.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a rich glaze-like flavor.
- 1/2 cup ketchup – Brings tangy, slightly sweet depth to the sauce.
- 1 envelope onion soup mix – Packed with savory seasoning that does all the heavy lifting.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil – Helps to prevent sticking.
- 8 cups water – Helps cook the rice and creates the sauce.
Instructions
1. Add oil to a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chicken over medium high heat until opaque.
2. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Add water and rice to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
3. Check that the rice is tender, the mixture should be moist with excess liquid.
4. Add brown sugar, ketchup, and onion soup mix to the rice and stir until well combined.
5. Add chicken to the rice and stir to combine and coat in the sauce.
Tips and Tricks
- Rinse the rice before cooking to keep it from getting too sticky
- Cut chicken into smaller pieces for faster cooking
- Stir the rice halfway through to prevent sticking
- Add a splash more water if the rice absorbs liquid too quickly
- Let it rest before serving so the flavors really come together
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but it will need more water and a longer cooking time.
Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stove?
Absolutely! Cover and bake at 350°F for about 45–50 minutes.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
This is one of those meals that feels like you barely tried… but everyone thinks you did something special. And honestly, we’re keeping that little secret to ourselves.
If you love this one pot recipe, please give it a five star review and help me share it on Facebook or Pinterest!
One Pot Sweet & Savory Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts cut into cubes
- 4 cups white rice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 8 cups water
Instructions
- Add oil to a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chicken over medium high heat until opaque.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Add water and rice to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Check that the rice is tender, the mixture should be moist with excess liquid.
- Add brown sugar, ketchup, and onion soup mix to the rice and stir until well combined.
- Add chicken to the rice and stir to combine and coat in the sauce.
Notes
- Rinse the rice before cooking to keep it from getting too sticky
- Cut chicken into smaller pieces for faster cooking
- Stir the rice halfway through to prevent sticking
- Add a splash more water if the rice absorbs liquid too quickly
- Let it rest before serving so the flavors really come together
Nutrition
