Get ready for a cozy dinner with this creamy chicken and rice dish! It’s super easy since everything cooks in one pot, making clean-up a breeze.
I love how creamy and comforting it is, almost like a warm hug on a plate! Perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without too much fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using chicken thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work too! If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using turkey. You can even use canned chicken in a pinch; just stir it in at the end to heat it through.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is the best choice here for fluffy texture. If you’re out, jasmine or basmati rice can also work well. For a healthy twist, use brown rice, but remember it might need extra liquid and a longer cooking time.
Heavy Cream: I love the richness heavy cream gives, but you can use half-and-half for a lighter version or even a plant-based cream like coconut cream for dairy-free options. For fewer calories, low-fat milk works too, but the dish will be less creamy.
Cheese: Cheddar adds a great flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Mozzarella or even feta can bring a different twist. If you want to keep it dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Get the Chicken to Brown Perfectly?
Getting a nice brown on your chicken boosts the flavor of the entire dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your pan is hot before adding oil or butter. This helps to sear the chicken quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this causes steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Leave the chicken undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes before checking. This allows a nice crust to form.
Following these tips will ensure your chicken pieces are beautifully golden and full of flavor! Enjoy your cooking!
Creamy Chicken and Rice Easy One-Pot Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy chicken and rice dish will take you about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying your meal in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes, browning it on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—it doesn’t need to be fully cooked just yet, as it will finish cooking later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the chopped onion and let it sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until you can smell that delicious garlic aroma!
3. Add the Rice:
Next, stir in the uncooked rice and mix it well with the onions and garlic. Allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes, helping to coat the rice in those lovely flavors.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Carefully pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape up any tasty bits stuck at the bottom of the pan. It’s these little bits that really enhance the flavor!
5. Combine and Cook:
Return the chicken to the pan, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover it with a lid, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes. This is when the rice will soak up all the deliciousness and the chicken cooks through.
6. Cream it Up:
After about 20 minutes, check if the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked. Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas or mixed vegetables, if you’re using them. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until it’s heated through and super creamy!
7. Cheesy Goodness:
If you’d like, stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and blends beautifully into the mixture. This makes it even richer and more decadent!
8. Final Touches:
Don’t forget to taste your dish! Add more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Finally, garnish with some fresh parsley or chives to brighten it up and add a fresh touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this creamy chicken and rice warm, and enjoy every comforting bite with your loved ones. It’s a warm hug in a bowl!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time. Use about 4 cups of chicken broth and simmer for approximately 35-40 minutes until the rice is fully cooked. Check the texture and add more liquid as necessary.
What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or even a plant-based milk like coconut cream for a lighter option. Just note that using low-fat options may result in a slightly less creamy texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of adding cream and veggies. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove and add the cream and veggies before warming through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to brighten the flavors.
