Name: One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 cloves fresh garlic; 1 medium onion; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; fresh herbs; additional vegetables

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of creamy chicken and rice, especially when it’s made in just one pot. This dish is a delightful combination of juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, luscious sauce that wraps everything together beautifully. Even better, it eliminates the need for multiple pots and pans, making mealtime not just delicious but also hassle-free. As fall settles in, chilly nights call for cozy dinners and this cream-filled dream is sure to become your new go-to recipe.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal

One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal

I first stumbled upon the idea of a one-pot chicken and rice while looking for a quick solution to Tuesday night dinners. My family was craving something hearty, yet I didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With its creamy texture and satisfying flavors, this One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal quickly became a staple in our household. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel at home, perfect for when you want something warm and hearty with minimal effort. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for busy nights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: It takes just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking for a delicious meal.
Irresistible Flavor: Silky-heavy cream melds with tender chicken and savory veggies for pure satisfaction.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colors from the peas and carrots make this dish as pretty as it is tasty.
Flexible Serving: Great for family dinners, meal prep, or even a cozy date night in.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter or dairy-free options.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken thighs can be used for richer flavors, giving a slightly different texture.
1 cup long-grain white rice: Rinsing the rice before cooking ensures a fluffier texture. Brown rice is a nutty substitute but it requires longer cooking times.
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: This enhances flavor without excess salt. Vegetable broth also works well if you prefer a lighter taste.
1 cup heavy cream: This gives a luxurious, creamy texture. Consider using half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
3 cloves fresh garlic: Always opt for fresh garlic; it adds a sharp and aromatic punch to the dish.
1 medium onion: Any variety will do, but yellow or white onions provide a nice sweetness when sautéed.
1 cup frozen peas and carrots: These are convenient and add color! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies.
2 tbsp unsalted butter: This adds richness and flavor. Olive oil can be a healthier substitute.
1 tsp salt: Adjust based on your taste and dietary needs since the broth will add some saltiness too.
1 tsp pepper: Freshly ground pepper enriches the dish with depth.
Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives): Finishing with fresh herbs adds a lovely burst of brightness.

How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal

Melt Butter: Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, allowing it to melt completely. The rich, nutty aroma will fill your kitchen as you add a finely chopped medium onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic, stirring until the onion turns translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Sear Chicken: Season 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts liberally with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the pot, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. This step locks in the flavors, creating a more delicious dish overall.

Add Rice and Broth: Pour 1 cup of rinsed long-grain white rice into the pot alongside 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Take a moment to scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze, ensuring no flavorful bits are left stuck to the surface.

Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the pressure valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. As it cooks, you might notice the comforting sounds of bubbling liquid — it’s a good sign your meal is coming together beautifully!

Quick Release: When the cooking time is up, perform a quick release to allow steam to escape. Carefully remove the lid, and before you serve, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream along with the frozen peas and carrots. The creaminess will envelop the chicken and rice, adding a delightful richness.

Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. It’s fantastic served hot right out of the pot with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs for added color and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, transfer the chicken and rice into a freezer-friendly container and keep it frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave for about 3-5 minutes. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, but a touch of cream can help refresh its rich consistency.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should remain juicy and tender.
Rinse the rice thoroughly to eliminate excess starch, which helps prevent a gummy texture.
Don’t rush the sauté step; it’s crucial for developing flavor.
Add different veggies based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms work brilliantly.
Taste as you go and adjust seasoning at the end to suit your preferences.

You aren’t just making a meal, you’re creating a warm gathering point around the table. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a chill weekend dinner, this delightful dish has a way of bringing people together.

Recipe FAQs

How can I customize this dish with different vegetables?

Feel free to experiment with frozen or fresh veggies based on what you enjoy or have available! Broccoli, bell peppers, and spinach are great choices that can be added along with the peas and carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! If you prefer brown rice, just keep in mind that it requires about 25 minutes of cooking time under pressure instead of 10 minutes for white rice. You’ll also want to adjust the broth, possibly adding an extra half cup since brown rice absorbs more liquid.

Is this recipe safe for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping as it stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before consuming, and consider adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the creaminess!

What can I serve with One Pot Chicken and Rice?

This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own. However, to round out the meal, consider serving it with a light side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that creamy goodness. Enjoy!