Name: One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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

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One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal is a cozy dish that is both heartwarming and satisfying. The creamy texture of the rice combined with tender chicken creates a comfort meal perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a little extra warmth in your day. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll find yourself replaying happy memories around the dinner table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal

One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal

This recipe is not only quick and easy, but it’s also quite budget-friendly considering the wholesome ingredients, and it comes together effortlessly in just one pot. There’s something magical about the simplicity of One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal—a harmony of flavors that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. If you’re like many who crave a comforting, home-cooked meal after a long day, this dish is sure to fill that niche in your life. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes; perfect for busy evenings.
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy rice and tender chicken harmonize with fragrant garlic and onion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A vibrant palette of colors from peas and carrots makes it a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy meal for two.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap for vegetarian broth or replace heavy cream for coconut milk for a lighter dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Any kind will do, but thighs add extra richness and flavor.
1 cup long-grain white rice: Rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy results.
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: A crucial ingredient for depth; swap with vegetable broth for a lighter twist.
1 cup heavy cream: Provides creaminess; it’s delightful but can be replaced with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option.
3 cloves fresh garlic: Using fresh makes all the difference in taste—mince it for optimal flavor release.
1 medium onion: A classic aromatic that forms the base of our meal. Yellow or white both work beautifully.
1 cup frozen peas and carrots: A colorful addition; you can substitute with whatever frozen veggies you have handy.
2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness; if a lighter option is preferred, olive oil is a suitable swap.
1 tsp salt: Always adjust to your taste, but it’s essential to bring out the dish’s flavors.
1 tsp pepper: Freshly cracked is always best for a gentle kick.
Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or chives brightens the dish when serving.
Additional vegetables (optional): Feel free to toss in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal

Sauté Aromatics: Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and melting 2 tbsp unsalted butter in the pot. Add the 1 medium onion diced and the 3 cloves fresh garlic minced, stirring them together for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is fragrant and translucent.

Sear the Chicken: Season 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper. Sear the seasoned chicken in the pot, aiming for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they become lightly golden. This step locks in the flavors and adds depth.

Combine Rice and Broth: Next, pour 1 cup long-grain white rice into the pot along with 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Stir gently to combine and make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze it, incorporating all those flavorful bits left behind.

Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid in place, ensuring the pressure valve is set to sealing. Set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. During this time, the magical melding of flavors will transform your ingredients!

Quick Release: Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release to let the steam out. When safe, remove the lid and stir in the 1 cup heavy cream, along with the 1 cup frozen peas and carrots. Mixing it all together transforms your dish into a creamy delight.

Adjust & Serve: Now is the time to adjust the seasoning! Taste your creation and add more salt or pepper as needed. Serve hot and consider topping with fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor.

Storing & Reheating

If you have leftovers, you’ll want to store them in an airtight container. At room temperature, it’s best not to leave it out for longer than 2 hours. In the fridge, it will last for up to 3 days—just make sure to use a glass or plastic container with a tight seal. You can freeze the dish for up to 3 months, ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s heated through, although it’s good to note that the texture may vary slightly after freezing. Refresh it by adding a splash of broth if needed!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid soggy rice, be sure to rinse it well under cold water before adding it to the pot; this removes excess starch.
If using vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, add them in alongside the rice for great flavor.
Timing is key! Ensure you have all your ingredients prepped before starting to keep things moving smoothly.
Consider letting the heavy cream come to room temperature before adding it to help maintain a creamy texture that mixes easily.

One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal is not just a meal; it’s an experience that wraps you up in warmth and flavor. The delightful combination of creaminess and savory chicken is bound to make it a favorite in your household. Go ahead and experiment a little—add those extra veggies or herbs you love, and truly make it your own.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. However, note that brown rice requires a longer cooking time; adjust your pressure cooking time to 22-25 minutes for the best results.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to increase your cooking time to around 12 minutes to ensure they’re cooked through when using the Instant Pot.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, simply replace the 1 cup heavy cream with 1 cup coconut milk or a similar dairy-free cream alternative. It will impart a slightly tropical flavor, fitting in beautifully with the dish.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to customize with any vegetables you have on hand! Bell peppers, spinach, or even broccoli can be delicious additions, just toss them in during the last cooking stages for perfect tenderness.