How Long to Cook Chicken and Rice
Chicken and rice is a classic one-pot meal. Cooking time depends on your method and whether you are using bone-in or boneless chicken.
How long to cook chicken and rice?
Chicken and rice takes 25-30 minutes on the stove, 45-60 minutes in the oven at 350°F, or 12 minutes in an Instant Pot. Rice cooked in chicken broth takes 18-20 minutes and adds rich flavor. Chicken must reach 165°F internal temperature.
Chicken and Rice Cooking Times
Chicken and rice is a classic one-pot meal. Cooking time depends on your method and whether you are using bone-in or boneless chicken.
| Method | Cook Time | Liquid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven (350°F) | 45-60 min | Broth | Chicken to 165°F |
| Stove (One Pot) | 25-30 min | 1:1.5 | Simmer covered |
| Instant Pot | 12 min + NPR | 1:1 | Quick and easy |
| Slow Cooker (High) | 2-3 hours | 1:1.5 | Set and forget |
| Slow Cooker (Low) | 4-6 hours | 1:1.5 | Best texture |
| Rice in Chicken Broth | 18-20 min | 1:1.5 broth | Adds flavor |
How Long to Cook Rice in Chicken Broth?
Rice in chicken broth takes 18-20 minutes, the same as cooking with water. The broth adds savory depth without changing cooking time.
Chicken Broth Rice Method:
- Use 1.5 cups chicken broth per 1 cup rice
- Bring broth to boil
- Add rice and stir once
- Reduce heat to low, cover
- Simmer 18-20 minutes
- Rest 5 minutes, fluff with fork
Tip: Use low-sodium broth or reduce added salt since broth contains sodium.
How Long to Cook Chicken and Rice on Stove?
Chicken and rice on the stove takes 25-30 minutes in one pot.
One-Pot Method:
- Brown chicken pieces in large pot (5 minutes)
- Remove chicken, sauté onion and garlic
- Add rice, toast 1 minute
- Add broth and return chicken
- Bring to boil, reduce to low
- Cover and simmer 20-25 minutes
- Check chicken is 165°F
How Long to Cook Chicken and Rice in Oven?
Chicken and rice in the oven takes 45-60 minutes at 350°F. This hands-off method is great for feeding a crowd.
- Use 9x13 baking dish
- Layer rice, broth, and chicken
- Cover tightly with foil
- Bake 45-60 minutes
- Uncover last 10 minutes for crispy skin
How Long to Cook Chicken and Rice in Instant Pot?
Chicken and rice in Instant Pot takes 12 minutes on high pressure plus 10 minutes natural release.
- Use 1:1 liquid ratio (less than stove)
- Layer: liquid, rice, then chicken on top
- Pressure cook 12 minutes
- Natural release 10 minutes
- Quick release remaining pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicken and rice takes 25-30 minutes on stove, 45-60 minutes in oven, or 12 minutes in Instant Pot. Time varies by method. Chicken must reach internal temperature of 165°F.
Rice in chicken broth takes 18-20 minutes on the stove, same as cooking with water. Use 1:1.5 ratio of rice to broth. The broth adds rich flavor without changing cooking time.
Rice with chicken broth takes 18-20 minutes. Replace water with broth using the same ratio. Low-sodium broth works best. Add herbs like thyme for extra flavor.
Chicken and rice in the oven takes 45-60 minutes at 350°F. Use bone-in chicken for more flavor. Cover with foil to keep rice moist. Check chicken temp reaches 165°F.
Chicken and rice in Instant Pot takes 12 minutes on high pressure plus natural release. Use 1:1 liquid ratio. Chicken can be fresh or frozen (add 5 minutes for frozen).
Rice in broth takes 18-20 minutes, same as water. Use any broth - chicken, beef, or vegetable. Broth adds savory flavor. Reduce salt since broth contains sodium.