One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal
One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal is the type of dish that brings warmth to your kitchen and your heart. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and a medley of vegetables into one comforting pot. It’s simple yet incredibly satisfying, delivering a rich, delicious flavor in just 30 minutes. Think about the aromatic scent wafting through your home as it cooks, making everyone feel welcome and at ease. You may find yourself reminiscing about family dinners or cozy nights in, as this dish hits the spot every time.
Table of Contents
I discovered this recipe one chilly evening when I wanted something quick yet comforting after a long day. It quickly became a go-to in my kitchen. Easy to prepare and fuss-free, One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal is not just for weeknights; it’s perfect for busy weekends too. The creamy goodness paired with tender chicken makes it a hit with the whole family. If you’re ready for a hug in a bowl, you’ll definitely want to try this dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: It takes only 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, so you can have dinner on the table in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and heavy cream creates a creamy, rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less mess to clean up means you can enjoy your meal more and worry less about the dishes.
- Flexible Ingredients: Adapt it with whatever veggies you have on hand for a customized experience.
- Comfort Food: This dish is perfect for cozy dinners or when you just need something hearty and fulfilling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose thighs for a richer flavor, but breasts work beautifully.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: This absorbs flavors well; swap for brown rice but adjust cooking time.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a flavorful base; vegetable broth can be a lighter alternative.
- 1 cup heavy cream: It adds creaminess; you could use half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter options.
- 3 cloves fresh garlic: Fresh garlic brings a punch of flavor; don’t substitute with powdered garlic if you can help it.
- 1 medium onion: Onion sweetness mellows perfectly in cooking; use yellow or white based on what you have.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots: These add color and texture; feel free to include any veggies on hand.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: For sautéing; olive oil is a fine substitute for a lighter option.
- 1 tsp salt: Always adjust to your taste; it enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 tsp pepper: Ground black pepper adds a gentle heat; feel free to up this if you prefer more spice.
- Fresh herbs: Top with parsley or chives for a bright pop of color and freshness at serving.
- Additional vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to kick this recipe up a notch.
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal
Melt Butter: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. As it sizzles, add your chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.
Sear the Chicken: Take 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season them with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Sear the chicken in the pot for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn lightly golden. This step not only adds flavor but also locks in moisture.
Add Rice and Broth: Pour in 1 cup of rinsed long-grain white rice and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot with a spatula to deglaze, lifting those tasty browned bits to enhance the flavor.
Pressure Cook: Lock the lid in place and set the pressure valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. You’ll hear the pot come to life, building up that all-important steam.
Release the Pressure: Once the cooking is complete, perform a quick release to let out the steam carefully. As the steam hisses out, you can prepare your next steps!
Stir in Cream and Veggies: Carefully remove the lid, taking in that delightful aroma. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream along with 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots until everything is nicely mixed and creamy.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Before serving, taste and adjust your seasoning if needed. Serve this comforting dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for an added touch.
Storing & Reheating
Leftover One Pot Chicken and Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to cool it down first before sealing it up. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely and pack it in freezer-safe bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s looking dry. Remember, the texture may change slightly after freezing, but a bit of cream or broth can bring it back to life.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the chicken; use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F for perfect tenderness.
- Don’t skip the deglazing step! It ensures you capture all of the flavor from the sauté process.
- If you’re using brown rice, increase the cooking time to about 22-25 minutes for it to become tender.
- For a lighter dish, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk without sacrificing creaminess.
- Experiment with spices like paprika or Italian seasoning to change the flavor profile to your liking.
- You can also prepare this meal ahead of time; just follow all steps except for pressure cooking. Refrigerate and then cook when you’re ready.
This rich, creamy dish comes together effortlessly, making weeknight dinners something to look forward to. With comforting flavors and satisfying textures, One Pot Chicken and Rice is the kind of meal that invites you to savor each bite. You’ll find it becomes a staple in your household, and you might even enjoy putting your spin on it each time you make it.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time. You should adjust your cooking time to about 22-25 minutes on high pressure to ensure it gets fully cooked.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk works wonderfully, maintaining that creamy texture while reducing calories.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in any leftover vegetables you have—bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms are excellent choices that add nutrition and flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check.
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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: Comfort Food
Description
Enjoy the delightful flavor of One Pot Chicken and Rice, a creamy, savory dish that combines tender chicken, seasoned rice, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner at home!
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 add the butter to melt.
- Mix in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and fragrant for about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in the pot until they're lightly golden on each side, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the rinsed rice and low-sodium chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
- Lock the lid, set the pressure valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
- After cooking, perform a quick release to let out the steam, carefully remove the lid, and mix in the heavy cream, frozen peas, and carrots until combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, serving warm with a garnish of fresh herbs.
Notes
Consider swapping in brown rice for more flavor, but remember it will require longer cooking times.
Feel free to customize with any vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers or mushrooms.
For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
