One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal
One Pot Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort meal, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Picture a single pot filled with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to throw together. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, hearty meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this creamy delight when I was searching for a simple dinner solution to feed my family on a hectic evening. With a busy schedule, I appreciate recipes that require minimal cleanup while still delivering maximum flavor. This One Pot Chicken and Rice is a lifesaver that transforms ordinary ingredients into a cozy feast that hits the spot every time. I’m genuinely excited for you to try this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests!
- Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, savory goodness with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A colorful, inviting dish that looks as good as it tastes, making it great for special occasions.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it for dinner, or save leftovers for lunch or snack time.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily customize to fit dietary needs—substitute ingredients for gluten or dairy-free options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Feel free to use thighs for extra richness and tenderness.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: This cooks up fluffy and absorbs all the delicious flavors; brown rice can be used for a nuttier taste but requires longer cooking.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: A lighter vegetable broth is a great option if preferred.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For a lighter version, you can swap it with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- 3 cloves fresh garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic touch.
- 1 medium onion: Choose any type, like yellow or white, for sweetness.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots: This colorful mix adds nutrition and convenience, but feel free to swap in any veggies you have on hand.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing; olive oil is a lighter substitute.
- 1 tsp salt: Adjust to your taste to bring the flavors together.
- 1 tsp pepper: Again, customize based on your flavor preference.
- Fresh herbs: Top with parsley or chives at serving for freshness.
- Additional vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to enhance both flavor and nutrition.
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal
Sauté Aromatics: Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 1 medium chopped onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and the onion is translucent, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step creates a savory foundation for your dish.
Sear Chicken: Next, season 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Sear the chicken in the pot until lightly golden on each side, around 2-3 minutes per side. Browning the chicken adds depth and flavor, ensuring every bite is delicious.
Combine Ingredients: Pour in 1 cup of rinsed long-grain white rice and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, which removes any flavorful bits stuck on the surface. This process enhances both flavor and texture.
Cook Under Pressure: Lock the lid in place and set the pressure valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. When the timer goes off, don’t wait—perform a quick release to let out the steam, being cautious of the hot vapor.
Mix in Creamy Goodness: Carefully remove the lid and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, along with 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots. Stir until everything is well mixed, resulting in a creamy, comforting dish that’s hard to resist.
Serve & Garnish: Adjust the seasoning to your taste and serve hot. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for that burst of freshness!
Storing & Reheating
For any leftovers, let them cool to room temperature before storing. You can keep the One Pot Chicken and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, transfer to a freezer-safe container and it will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply microwave on a medium setting for about 2–3 minutes, or until warmed through. Note that the texture might change slightly after freezing, so adding a splash of broth when reheating can bring back that creamy consistency.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid burning the garlic by stirring frequently and keeping an eye on the sautéing process.
- Sear the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, ensuring even browning.
- If your rice cooks unevenly, try rinsing it before cooking to remove excess starch, helping it cook better.
- Feel free to experiment with different veggies based on what’s available; this gives you a chance to customize the dish.
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or dried Italian seasoning during cooking.
One Pot Chicken and Rice is a delightful recipe that promises satisfaction and warmth in every bite. The creamy texture and comforting flavors make it a family favorite. I encourage you to try this out, potentially adding your twist, whether it’s different herbs or a variety of veggies. So gather your ingredients, fire up that Instant Pot, and get ready to spoil your loved ones with an easy yet impressive meal!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be a healthier alternative; however, keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. You might need to increase the pressure cooking time to about 22–25 minutes and make sure to adjust the liquid accordingly.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for lighter options, half-and-half or coconut milk works wonderfully. Both alternatives will still give you a creamy texture, without the richness of heavy cream. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning for flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the pressure cooking step and then store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. When ready to eat, simply kick start your Instant Pot to finish off the recipe. This helps streamline your dinner preparations!
How do I make this dish spicy?
To heat things up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños while sautéing the onions and garlic. This will infuse the dish with a nice kick that can be adjusted to your heat preference.
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📖 Recipe Card
One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: One Pot
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy the comforting taste of One Pot Chicken and Rice, featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and delicious vegetables. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
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
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and the onion is translucent (2-3 min).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear them in the pot until lightly golden on each side (2-3 min).
- Pour in the rinsed rice and low-sodium chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, ensuring no bits are stuck.
- Lock the lid in place, set the pressure valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release to let out the steam. Carefully remove the lid, and stir in the heavy cream, frozen peas, and carrots until well mixed.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste and serve hot. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Feel free to swap the frozen peas and carrots with any other veggies you enjoy, such as bell peppers or spinach.
Chicken thighs can be used for added richness and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
