Tasty One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe for Simple Dinners

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity and flavor, and this one-pot chicken and rice recipe delivers pure comfort without complex cooking techniques.

Busy home cooks searching for a hassle-free meal will adore this streamlined chicken and rice dish that comes together effortlessly.

The skillet creates a perfect harmony of tender chicken and fluffy rice, blending herbs and spices into a delectable one-pot meal.

Each bite promises rich, satisfying layers of seasoned protein and perfectly cooked grains that meld together beautifully.

Minimal cleanup and maximum taste make this recipe a weeknight champion for anyone seeking a delicious, stress-free dinner solution.

With just a few ingredients and one pan, you can transform ordinary chicken and rice into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This comforting classic is ready to become your new go-to dinner strategy.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but increase the cooking liquid and simmer time. Brown rice typically requires about 45 minutes of cooking and more broth to become tender.

• Is it okay to substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe and can provide more flavor and moisture. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces and cooked thoroughly.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach during the last 5 minutes of rice cooking. This boosts nutrition without changing the recipe’s core technique.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. These substitutions will maintain a creamy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Why One-Pot Chicken and Rice Stands Out

• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Combine Italian seasoning, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and creamy sauce to create a rich, satisfying meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
• Versatile Weeknight Dish: Perfect for busy families, this recipe comes together quickly with basic ingredients, delivering a comforting and nutritious dinner that everyone will love.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adding vegetables, changing seasonings, or swapping proteins to suit your taste and keep meals exciting.

Ingredients in One-Pot Chicken and Rice

• Chicken: Tender and juicy meat for a hearty one-pot meal.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich and smooth additions for extra flavor.

• Italian Seasoning, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Delicious spice blend that enhances the dish.

• Uncooked Rice, Chicken Broth: Comforting base that creates a complete meal.

• Olive Oil, Garlic: Flavorful foundation that adds depth to the recipe.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Slice chicken into bite-sized chunks and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

Make sure each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss seasoned chicken into the pan and cook until edges turn golden brown and crispy.

Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Once done, transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Bloom Aromatic Garlic

In the same skillet, drop minced garlic and swirl quickly.

Let the garlic release its fragrant oils for about 30 seconds without burning.

Step 4: Create Rice Base

Add chicken broth and uncooked rice to the skillet.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover the skillet and let the rice simmer gently.

• Rice
• Chicken broth

Step 5: Achieve Rice Tenderness

Allow rice to cook for 15-20 minutes.

Occasionally peek and stir to prevent sticking.

Rice is ready when it’s tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 6: Transform into Creamy Goodness

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Remaining Italian seasoning
• Onion powder

Gently fold in the previously cooked chicken pieces.

Step 7: Final Flavor Touch

Taste the dish and sprinkle salt and pepper as needed.

Adjust seasonings to your preference.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Scoop the creamy chicken and rice directly from the skillet onto plates.

Enjoy this comforting one-pot wonder while it’s steaming hot!

Handy Tips for One-Pot Chicken and Rice

• Ensure uniform bite-sized pieces by using a sharp knife and cutting against the grain for tender, easy-to-eat chicken.
• Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the skillet before adding chicken to enhance its aromatic flavors and develop deeper taste profiles.
• Leave the skillet covered while simmering to help rice absorb liquid evenly and prevent burning or sticking to the bottom.
• Add heavy cream gradually and stir continuously to prevent separation and create a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
• Remove skillet from heat when adding Parmesan to prevent cheese from becoming grainy and maintain its silky consistency.

How to Keep Chicken and Rice Tasty

• Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm the meal in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Freeze the dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Serving Ideas for Chicken and Rice

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selections: Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy chicken and rice dish, balancing its rich flavors with bright acidity.
• Herbaceous Side Salad: Whip up a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness, adding fresh green notes and providing a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetable Accompaniment: Prepare quick roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to add textural variety and nutritional balance to the one-pot meal.
• Crusty Bread Pairing: Serve warm, crusty French bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious creamy sauce, ensuring no flavorful liquid goes to waste and adding a delightful crunch.

Easy Ways to Change Chicken and Rice

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the dish's creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free alternative that still offers a comforting, creamy experience.
• Low-Carb Champion: Substitute rice with shredded zucchini or cauliflower rice, and use Greek yogurt as a cream replacement to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the meal satisfying and flavorful.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth and maintaining the same seasoning profile for a plant-based protein-packed meal that doesn't compromise on taste.

One-Pot Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty one-pot chicken and rice brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Savory spices blend with tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Remaining Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2.5 cups (590 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (190 grams) uncooked long-grain white rice
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/3 cup (40 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Cube the chicken into uniform pieces, then generously coat with aromatic Italian seasoning to enhance flavor profiles.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over robust medium-high temperature, creating a perfect searing environment for the chicken. Cook protein pieces, rotating periodically to achieve a golden-brown exterior, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to toast minced garlic, releasing its intense aromatics for roughly 30 seconds. Pour chicken broth into the pan, introducing uncooked rice and creating a flavor-infused liquid base. Allow mixture to reach a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover skillet and let rice absorb liquid, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching, until grains become tender and liquid substantially reduces.
4. Incorporate rich heavy cream and nutty Parmesan cheese into the rice, creating a luxurious texture. Reintroduce previously cooked chicken to the skillet, folding in remaining Italian seasoning and onion powder for layered complexity.
5. Conduct a final taste assessment, adjusting salt and pepper levels to personal preference. Plate the creamy, herb-infused chicken and rice, presenting a comforting one-pan culinary experience ready for immediate enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap chicken for plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version of this delicious one-pot dish.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and a nuttier flavor profile, keeping cooking time slightly longer.
• Reduce the heavy cream and replace half with Greek yogurt for a lighter yet creamy texture that cuts down on calories.
• Customize the seasoning by experimenting with different herb blends like herbes de Provence or Mediterranean spice mixes to elevate the overall taste experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg