This creamy chicken and rice dish is warm and comforting, all cooked in one pot! It features tender chicken pieces mixed with fluffy rice in a rich, creamy sauce that’s hard to resist.
If you’re like me, the thought of a simple clean-up and a tasty meal makes your day brighter! Just stir everything together, and you’re set for dinner. What could be easier? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results, but breasts work too. If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken can save you time—just add it at the end to heat through.
Rice: Long grain white rice is a classic choice here. If you want a healthier option, you can use brown rice, but remember it may need more cooking time and liquid.
Broth and Cream: Homemade chicken broth is great for flavor, but store-bought works just as well. For a lighter dish, swap heavy cream for milk or use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
Frozen Vegetables: I love adding peas for a pop of color and nutrition. Feel free to mix it up with other frozen veggies like carrots or corn, or leave them out altogether if you’re not a fan!
How Do I Get the Chicken Cooked Just Right?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here’s a simple way to ensure it’s juicy and tender. Brown the chicken first for added flavor but don’t overcook it—about 5 minutes will do. The chicken will finish cooking when you simmer it with the rice.
- Use medium-high heat to get a nice sear, and season well before removing it from the pan.
- Don’t forget to adjust your cooking time if using pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie—a couple of minutes to warm it up will be enough.
Creamy Chicken and Rice Easy One-Pot Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken and rice dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to cook. In total, expect to spend just about 40 minutes for a delicious one-pot meal that’s sure to please!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start Cooking the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes until they’re browned on all sides, but not fully cooked. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and dried thyme for added flavor. After browning, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan that you cooked the chicken, add the chopped onion. Sauté it over medium heat until it becomes translucent, which should take around 3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute more, until it’s fragrant.
3. Mix in the Rice:
Now, pour in the uncooked rice. Stir well to make sure the rice grains get coated with the oil and mix with the onion and garlic. This will help add flavor to the rice.
4. Add the Liquids:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and milk (or cream). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Simmer with the Chicken:
Return the browned chicken back to the pan. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes. You’re looking for the rice to be tender and most of the liquid to be absorbed.
6. Finish with Cheese and Veggies:
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the shredded cheese (if using) and the frozen peas or mixed vegetables. Cook this uncovered for another 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and the veggies are heated through.
7. Season and Serve:
Taste your creamy chicken and rice, and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper if needed. Finally, garnish it with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely touch before serving.
Enjoy your creamy, comforting one-pot chicken and rice dinner!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! However, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
What Can I Substitute for the Rice?
If you want to change it up, you can substitute long grain white rice with brown rice or quinoa. Just note that brown rice will require extra cooking time and more liquid—about 3 cups of broth for 1 cup of brown rice.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from getting dry.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. Just make sure to add them in during the last few minutes of cooking to keep their texture and color.
