Creamy Chicken And Rice One Pot Dinner
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I absolutely love making this Creamy Chicken and Rice One Pot Dinner whenever I want comfort food that's both hearty and easy to prepare. It has become a go-to meal for busy weeknights, bringing together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice in just one pot. The best part is that cleanup is a breeze! I usually have everything on hand, and I love how the dish fills the house with a heavenly aroma while it simmers away. This truly is a satisfying meal the whole family enjoys.
During a cold winter evening, I decided to whip up this Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe to warm us up. I experimented by adding peas for a pop of color and a little garlic for depth of flavor, and the result was just perfect! It was exciting to see how the rice absorbed all those creamy flavors, creating a dish that felt indulgent yet simple.
One thing I’ve learned is that letting the dish sit for a few moments after cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully. My family couldn’t get enough of it, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment knowing I made a delightful meal with minimal effort.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-pot convenience for easy cleanup
- Creamy texture that brings comfort in every bite
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or spices
Ingredient Insights
The quality of your chicken is crucial for this dish. Using fresh, high-quality chicken breast ensures a tender and juicy result. If you're looking for a quicker option, you can use rotisserie chicken, just add it in during the final simmer to warm it through and infuse it with all the flavors without additional cooking time.
Long-grain rice is the star of this recipe, absorbing the creamy broth while keeping its fluffy texture. You may substitute it with jasmine rice for a slightly floral note or even quinoa for a nutty flavor—just adjust the liquid and cooking times accordingly as quinoa requires less liquid.
Frozen peas are not only convenient but they also add a pop of sweetness and color to the dish. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables—carrots, bell peppers, or spinach can be added, but be mindful of the cooking times to maintain a pleasing texture.
Cooking Techniques
Sautéing the chicken at the start is key. It not only adds flavor through browning but also creates a base for your dish. Make sure to keep the heat medium to medium-high to achieve that perfect golden color without overcooking the chicken. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
When adding the broth and soup, ensure a good mix before incorporating the rice. This step is important to prevent clumps and ensure each grain cooks evenly. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot, which helps release any caramelized bits, enhancing the overall flavor.
For the simmering phase, a tight-fitting lid is essential to trap steam and moisture, ensuring the rice cooks through properly. If you find the rice is undercooked at the end of the simmering time, simply add a splash of additional chicken broth and continue cooking, checking every couple of minutes.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a delicious dinner:
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Make sure to have everything prepped before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to create your meal:
Sauté the Chicken
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until it's browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Aromatics
Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, roughly 3 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and uncooked rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, covering the pot.
Simmer
Allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Finish with Peas
Stir in the frozen peas and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Enjoy your one-pot meal with your family!
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving. It melts beautifully into the creamy mixture.
Make-Ahead Tips
This Creamy Chicken and Rice dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little broth if needed to restore its creamy consistency.
If you're planning for longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. The recipe holds up quite well in the freezer; just cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-friendly container. It can last for about 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm on the stove, adding liquid as needed.
For busy weeknights, I sometimes prepare the ingredients in advance: chop the onion, garlic, and any vegetables of choice, and store them together. This way, cooking becomes a quick process of just sautéing the chicken and tossing everything in!
Serving Suggestions
Once it's done, this dish can be garnished in various ways. A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only provides a burst of color but also freshness that balances the rich flavors. For a little zest, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Pair this meal with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A light vinaigrette salad complements the richness perfectly. If you want to elevate the meal further, serve it alongside roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor.
For a little heat, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish and appeal to those who enjoy a spicy kick. I sometimes add a bit of grated Parmesan on top before serving for an additional layer of creaminess and flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and possibly increase the liquid for brown rice to ensure it's fully cooked.
→ Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can use homemade white sauce or a different cream soup such as mushroom for a different flavor profile.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the consistency.
→ What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a saucepan on low heat.
Creamy Chicken And Rice One Pot Dinner
I absolutely love making this Creamy Chicken and Rice One Pot Dinner whenever I want comfort food that's both hearty and easy to prepare. It has become a go-to meal for busy weeknights, bringing together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice in just one pot. The best part is that cleanup is a breeze! I usually have everything on hand, and I love how the dish fills the house with a heavenly aroma while it simmers away. This truly is a satisfying meal the whole family enjoys.
Created by: Vivienne Cole
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until it's browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, roughly 3 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and uncooked rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, covering the pot.
Allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Stir in the frozen peas and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Extra Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving. It melts beautifully into the creamy mixture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 46g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 24g