Creamy Chicken and Rice One-Pot Dinner

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: I usually go for boneless, skinless thighs because they stay juicy and tender. However, if you prefer breasts, they work too! For a meat-free option, try using firm tofu or chickpeas.

Rice: Long grain white rice is great for this dish, but you can also use brown rice. Just remember that it may take longer to cook, so adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

Heavy Cream: I often use heavy cream for extra richness, but half-and-half is a lighter alternative. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or cashew cream to keep it creamy.

Veggies: Adding frozen peas is a quick way to sneak in some veggies. You could also substitute with corn, frozen mixed veggies, or fresh spinach for added nutrition and color.

How Do I Ensure My Rice Turns Out Perfectly Cooked?

Cooking rice perfectly is key to this dish! Here’s how to get it just right. First, make sure to rinse the rice. This removes excess starch and helps avoid sticky rice. After adding rice to the skillet, toasting it for a couple of minutes adds depth of flavor.

• After adding chicken broth, cover tightly and let it simmer on low heat. This traps steam, cooking the rice evenly.
• Avoid lifting the lid too often—each time you do, steam escapes and may lead to undercooked rice.
• Finally, let the dish sit covered after cooking to allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.

Creamy Chicken and Rice One-Pot Dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Dish:

• 1 1/2 lbs (about 700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed
• 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This one-pot dinner takes about 35-40 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 25-30 minutes cooking everything together. It’s quick, simple, and you’ll have less cleanup to do at the end—perfect for a busy evening!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sear the Chicken:

Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook until they are browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it smells delicious and fragrant.

3. Add Rice and Seasonings:

Now, stir in the rinsed rice along with the dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to lightly toast the rice and infuse it with flavor.

4. Combine with Broth:

Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the rice to cook properly.

5. Finish the Dish:

After 15 minutes, add the heavy cream and return the browned chicken to the pot, nestling it into the rice. If you’re using them, add the frozen peas or mixed vegetables at this stage. Cover the pot again and cook for another 8-10 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

6. Cheesy Goodness:

If you want a cheesy finish, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture in the dish.

7. Season and Let Rest:

Before serving, adjust the flavor with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors mingle together.

8. Garnish and Serve:

Finally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your rich, comforting creamy chicken and rice dinner made in just one pot!

FAQ for Creamy Chicken and Rice One-Pot Dinner

Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Make sure the chicken is cut into smaller pieces for it to cook through properly in this recipe.

How Do I Make This Dish Creamier?

To achieve an even creamier texture, you can add more heavy cream or incorporate cream cheese in addition to the cheddar cheese. Alternatively, using a splash of sour cream just before serving can elevate the creaminess significantly!

Can I Prepare This Meal Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the recipe up to the point of adding the heavy cream. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply heat it up on the stove, stirring in the cream and cheese until heated through.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it appears too thick. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.