15 One-Pot Chicken Recipes for Busy Weeknights

15 One-Pot Chicken Recipes for Stress-Free Weeknights

When the weeknights are chaotic and time is short, one-pot chicken recipes are a lifesaver. Packed with flavour, easy to make, and even easier to clean up, these recipes prove that delicious family dinners don’t have to be a hassle.

Whether you’re a busy parent juggling after-school activities, a home cook looking for quick meals, or a food enthusiast eager to try something new, this list has got you covered!

Dive into 15 simple, irresistible one-pot chicken recipes that take the stress out of dinner prep—and maybe even make it the best part of your day!

Why One-Pot Meals Are Perfect for Busy Weeknights

One-pot meals are becoming a go-to choice in kitchens worldwide. And why wouldn’t they be? Here’s why they’re the ultimate solution for dinner on a busy night:

• Saves Time: Prep it, cook it, and serve it—all in one pan. No need to juggle multiple dishes or pans.
• Easy Cleanup: With only one pot to wash, you save precious time and energy (because nobody has time to battle a mountain of dishes after dinner!).
• Versatile and Customisable: From hearty chicken stews to light and nutritious broths, one-pot meals can be tweaked to fit any palate or diet.

Throwing everything into a single pot, letting the magic happen, and sitting down to a hearty, home-cooked meal with minimal effort is the best option for busy weeknights.

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Essential Ingredients and Tools for One-Pot Cooking

Before you jump into these delicious recipes, it’s good to have the right tools and pantry staples on hand. Having a well-equipped kitchen can significantly enhance your cooking experience.

Must-Have Tools:

• A Deep, Heavy-Duty Pan or Dutch Oven: Perfect for slow cooking, braising, and sautéing in one place.
• Wooden or Silicone Utensils: Gentle on non-stick surfaces and versatile for stirring or serving.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for prepping meats and veggies.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient portions.

Pantry Staples:

• Boneless chicken thighs and breasts (versatile and cook evenly).
• Olive oil or butter for a flavourful base.
• Aromatics like garlic, onions, and ginger to add depth.
• Herbs and spices (think thyme, paprika, or cumin for variety!).
• Chicken stock or broth to create robust sauces and soups.
• Grains like rice or pasta for hearty, filling meals.
• Fresh vegetables and leafy greens for a pop of colour and nutrients.

Tips for Layering Ingredients:

For optimal results, always layer your ingredients thoughtfully when assembling your one-pot meals:

1. Start with aromatics (like onion and garlic) to build flavour. 
2. Sear your chicken for that golden crust and rich taste. 
3. Add vegetables and grains that need more cooking time. 
4. Stir in delicate greens or herbs at the very end to preserve their freshness.

Now, you’re ready to bring these one-pot wonders to life!

15 One-Pot Chicken Recipes

1. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

Sticky and sweet, this teriyaki chicken dish with fresh veggies is as vibrant as it is delicious. 

Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 cups mixed veggies (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp grated ginger

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan, cook chicken until browned.
2. Add minced garlic and ginger, stir for 1 minute.
3. Toss in veggies and cook until tender-crisp.
4. Mix teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and honey; pour over the chicken and veggies.
5. Stir until coated and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot!

2. Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Bright, zesty flavours and buttery potatoes—this is comfort food done right. 

Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4 

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 4 medium potatoes, quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss potatoes with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Arrange on a baking sheet.
3. Season chicken with garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Place on the baking sheet with potatoes.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping potatoes halfway, until chicken is golden and cooked through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

3. Thai Curry Chicken

Aromatic coconut milk, red curry paste, and tender chicken come together in this bold yet soothing dish. Serve with jasmine rice! 

Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 3-4 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken (sliced)
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• Fresh basil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté red curry paste until fragrant.
2. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned.
3. Stir in coconut milk, fish sauce, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with jasmine rice.

4. Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff

Classic stroganoff reimagined with juicy chicken, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce—all cooked to perfection in one pot. 

Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 5

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Cook chicken until golden and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic until softened.
3. Add chicken broth and cream, stirring to combine.
4. Return chicken to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Stir in flour to thicken if needed. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

5. Spicy Chicken Jambalaya

This Creole-inspired recipe is smoky, spicy, and bursting with flavour. 

Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6 

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté chicken in a large pot until browned, then remove.
2. Cook onion, garlic in the same pot until softened.
3. Stir in rice, spices, and tomatoes.
4. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil.
5. Return chicken to the pot, reduce heat, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until rice is cooked.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

6. Spanish-Style Chicken and Chorizo

Rich, smoky paprika flavours this combination of chicken, chorizo, and roasted red peppers. 

Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4-5 

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 chorizo sausages, sliced
• 1 roasted red pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan, brown chicken thighs, and set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté chorizo, onion, and garlic until fragrant.
3. Stir in paprika, roasted red pepper, and diced tomatoes.
4. Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

7. Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Light and nourishing, this chicken soup packed with carrots, celery, and leeks comforts the soul. 

Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6 

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, shredded
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 leek, sliced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté carrots, celery, and leeks until softened.
2. Add chicken broth, shredded chicken, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Serve warm and enjoy!

8. Creamy Chicken and Rice

A family favourite with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a lush creamy sauce. Add a handful of spinach or peas for extra greens.

Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4 

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 handful spinach or peas
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sear chicken thighs in a skillet until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add rice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
4. Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.
5. Add spinach or peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

9. Moroccan Spiced Chicken and Couscous

With warming spices like cumin and cinnamon, this dish will transport your taste buds straight to Marrakesh. 

Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-5 

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Season chicken with cumin, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan, cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then stir in couscous. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
5. Fluff couscous with a fork, serve with chicken. Enjoy!

10. Italian Chicken Cacciatore

A rustic Italian classic with tomatoes, olives, and tender chicken pieces. Sop up the sauce with crusty bread! 

Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4 

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup sliced olives
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and brown the chicken on both sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add tomatoes, olives, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until tender.
5. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

11. Honey Mustard Chicken with Green Beans

Sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced, this dish brings out the best in chicken and fresh greens. 

Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4 

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb green beans
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil in a bowl.
3. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then coat with the honey mustard mixture.
4. Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes.
5. Steam or sauté green beans until tender.
6. Serve chicken with green beans on the side.

12. Sesame Ginger Chicken Noodles

Savory-sweet sesame noodles tossed with shredded chicken and fresh veggies for a quick dinner fix. 

Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 2-3 

Ingredients:

• 8 oz noodles
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup mixed fresh veggies (carrots, bell peppers, snap peas)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic to make the sauce.
3. Toss noodles, chicken, and veggies with the sauce in a large pan over medium heat until warmed through.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately.

13. Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew

A hearty, earthy dish featuring tender chicken and naturally sweet, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes. 

Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken (cut into pieces)
• 2 sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a pot until fragrant.
2. Add chicken, season with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned.
3. Stir in sweet potatoes and chicken broth.
4. Simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and sweet potatoes are soft.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

14. Greek Lemon Chicken and Orzo

A Mediterranean favourite! Lemon, garlic, and oregano create a zesty, satisfying meal. 

Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4 

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 lemons (juice and zest)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sear in olive oil until golden.
2. Remove chicken, then sauté garlic in the same pan.
3. Add orzo, chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Stir well.
4. Return chicken to the pan, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve!

15. Butter Chicken Curry

Rich, spiced butter chicken cooked in a fragrant tomato-based sauce. Serve with naan or rice for an indulgent treat. 

Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4 

Ingredients

• 500g chicken (boneless, diced)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp ginger (grated)
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 can (400g) tomato puree
• 1/2 cup cream
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder for 30 minutes.
2. Heat butter in a pan and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
3. Add tomato puree and cook for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add marinated chicken and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
6. Serve hot with naan or rice.

Tips for Making One-Pot Chicken Recipes Even Easier

• Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies, marinate your chicken, and measure your spices over the weekend. Store them in airtight containers to save time during the week.
• Make It Personal: Swap ingredients as needed! Try cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lower-carb option, or replace chicken thighs with tofu for a vegetarian-friendly twist.
• Batch Cooking: Double or triple the recipes and freeze leftovers for quick, stress-free lunches.

Transform Dinner Time With One-Pot Chicken Recipes

One-pot chicken recipes are a busy home cook’s dream come true—delicious, versatile, and minimal fuss! From creamy classics to bold global flavours, there’s something here to suit every mood and preference.

Try one of these recipes tonight, and we promise dinner will be the highlight of your day! When you do, we’d love to hear about your favourites and see your creations—tag us on social media or comment below.

Happy cooking!