One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that promises comfort, flavor, and the magic of minimal cleanup: One-Pot Chicken and Rice. This recipe brings together juicy chicken, tender grains, and a creamy, cheesy sauce in one pan — making weeknight dinners so much easier (and tastier!). Whether you’re craving something cozy or you need a foolproof dish to share with friends, One-Pot Chicken and Rice delivers robust flavors and effortless style in every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One-Pot Chicken and Rice is its simplicity. Every ingredient is picked for maximum taste and texture, while also making your kitchen life super easy. Here’s what brings this dish together and why each one matters:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy, diced chicken picks up all the flavors and cooks quickly.
• Olive Oil: Gives your chicken a golden sear while adding heart-healthy richness.
• Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the rice with irresistible aroma and depth.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings a fragrant, herby kick to both the chicken and the creamy rice base.
• Onion Powder: Adds savory sweetness and complexity without the fuss of chopping.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential finishing touch to bring out every flavor—don’t forget to taste as you go!
• Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice with savory goodness and keeps everything moist.
• Uncooked Long-Grain White Rice: Soaks up the broth and seasoning, turning fluffy and flavorful.
• Heavy Cream: Transforms the whole dish into a lusciously creamy, comforting meal.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts right in for that finish of nutty saltiness and extra creaminess.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Take a sharp knife and dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces—this helps them cook quickly and evenly. Toss your chicken with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to coat every piece with flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your seasoned chicken cubes to the hot pan. Let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes, then stir and brown all sides. After about 5 minutes, when the chicken is golden and almost cooked through, scoop it out and set it aside. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked; it’ll finish later!

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

With your pan still hot and all those tasty browned bits, add the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for just 30 seconds—enough to get fragrant but not burnt! Immediately pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom.

Step 4: Simmer Rice and Broth

Add the uncooked rice straight to the broth. Stir well, bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover tightly and let the rice simmer away for 15 to 20 minutes, until it’s tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. This is the heart of the One-Pot Chicken and Rice experience—the rice soaks up all those comforting flavors.

Step 5: Make It Creamy and Finish

Uncover the skillet and stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Add back your chicken along with the rest of the Italian seasoning and onion powder. Stir well to blend all those flavors together. Taste, then add salt and pepper as needed. Let it all heat for a couple of minutes just to bring everything to the perfect temperature.

How to Serve One-Pot Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh herbs—think chopped parsley or basil—brings a lovely pop of color and freshness to your One-Pot Chicken and Rice. A sprinkle of extra parmesan or a crack of black pepper on top will also make every bowl feel special.

Side Dishes

You truly don’t need much alongside this hearty dish, but if you’re feeling extra, pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlicky roasted vegetables. A basket of warm bread will help mop up that luscious creamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style meal, serve One-Pot Chicken and Rice straight from the pan in the center of the table. Or, spoon it into individual bowls and top each one with a drizzle of olive oil and parmesan. For a more elegant touch, nestle it into bell pepper halves or stuff it inside hollowed-out tomatoes for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into airtight containers as soon as the dish cools to room temperature. Your One-Pot Chicken and Rice will stay delicious and fresh in the fridge for up to three days, making it a real lifesaver for busy weeks.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and let it cool fully before sealing. It can keep in the freezer for up to three months. Just know that the sauce might be a bit thicker after thawing, but it will still taste fantastic.

Reheating

To bring your One-Pot Chicken and Rice back to life, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or milk as it warms to loosen up the creamy sauce and ensure every bite is just as velvety as when it was first made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and flavor to One-Pot Chicken and Rice. Just dice them as you would the breasts and cook as directed—the results will be just as delicious.

What kind of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is perfect because it stays fluffy and doesn’t get mushy. You can try basmati or jasmine for a different aroma, but avoid instant or short-grain types, as they can affect the texture.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! Stir in some frozen peas, baby spinach, chopped carrots, or bell peppers when adding the cream and cheese. Your One-Pot Chicken and Rice will be even heartier and more colorful.

Is there a way to make this lighter?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of parmesan. You’ll still have a creamy, dreamy texture with a few fewer calories!

Can I make One-Pot Chicken and Rice ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! This dish holds up beautifully in the fridge and reheats well. Just portion out in containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners during the week.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that brings minimal hassle and maximum flavor, you can’t go wrong with One-Pot Chicken and Rice. Give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new weeknight favorite!

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