Description
One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice is a comforting, all-in-one meal featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces, fluffy long-grain rice, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Cooked entirely on the stovetop in a single pot, this recipe offers an easy and delicious weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Protein and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Brown the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside temporarily.
- Sauté the onion: In the same pot, add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes, to build flavor.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Incorporate the rice: Add the uncooked long-grain white rice and stir well to coat it evenly with the aromatics and spices.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer on medium heat.
- Cook chicken and rice together: Return the browned chicken to the pot, cover it, and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well until the sauce is creamy and evenly combined.
- Final seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, if desired, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For the best texture, use long-grain white rice as it cooks fluffy and separate.
- Avoid lifting the lid while the rice cooks to ensure even cooking and proper steam retention.
- For added nutrition and flavor, stir in vegetables like peas or fresh spinach near the end of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
