One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal
Creamy chicken and rice is a dish that embraces the cozy vibe we all crave after a long day. This warm, creamy concoction has been a favorite in my family for years, reminiscent of home-cooked meals and the laughter shared around the dining table. Whether it’s a rainy day or simply a busy weeknight, knowing that this dish can be made in no time brings a sense of comfort. You’ll love the ease of preparing this creamy chicken rice in just about 30 minutes in your Instant Pot.
Table of Contents
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but in the wide range of flavors it delivers. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and rich cream come together harmoniously to create a one-pot meal that’s bound to satisfy every palate at your table. Plus, with the option to customize it to your liking, it’s a fantastic way to clear out the fridge. Trust me when I say this isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s your new go-to for those cozy nights in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you can whip up dinner in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy sauce and tender chicken will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of peas and carrots make this dish visually inviting.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep to enjoy for lunches throughout the week.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap for gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives to suit dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Opt for thighs if you want richer flavor and tenderness.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Provides the perfect base; brown rice offers a nuttier flavor but requires longer cooking.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: A lighter option can be achieved using vegetable broth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For a lighter twist, consider using half-and-half or coconut milk.
- 3 cloves fresh garlic: Fresh garlic amplifies the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- 1 medium onion: Any variety like yellow or white will do; just chop it up for a sweet and savory kick.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots: These add color and nutrition; feel free to use any vegetables you have.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Provides richness; you can substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
- 1 tsp salt: Tailor this to your taste for balanced flavor.
- 1 tsp pepper: Adjust according to your preference to enhance the dish.
- Fresh herbs: Top it off with parsley or chives for an aromatic finish.
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal
Melt the Butter: Begin your flavorful journey by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt slowly.
Sauté the Aromatics: Once the butter is melted, toss in 1 medium chopped onion and 3 minced cloves of fresh garlic. Stir these together until the onion is translucent and fragrant, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Sear the Chicken: Season 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Add the chicken to the pot, searing until each side is lightly golden, about another 2-3 minutes. This step adds a depth of flavor that makes the dish irresistible.
Add the Rice and Broth: Pour in 1 cup of rinsed long-grain white rice along with 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Gently scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze it. This ensures no tasty bits are left behind.
Cook Under Pressure: Lock the lid in place and set the pressure valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, perform a quick release to let out the steam, carefully removing the lid.
Incorporate the Cream and Veggies: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream along with 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots. Mix well until everything is combined.
Adjust and Serve: Taste your masterpiece and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of fresh herbs for an added pop of freshness.
Storing & Reheating
Allow any leftovers to cool slightly before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store this creamy chicken and rice at room temperature for about 2 hours, after which refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best enjoyed within three months. When reheating, simply warm it up in the microwave on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through; you may need to add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken; it should just be cooked through to prevent dryness.
- Rinsing the rice is key; it helps remove excess starch, leading to fluffier grains.
- If you want to include more vegetables, add bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition and flavor.
- Letting the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully.
This One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal truly combines heartiness and satisfaction in every bite. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’re left with a dish that easily becomes a weeknight staple. Feel free to get creative with substitutions based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge. Enjoy this delightful meal at your table, and savor each creamy, comforting bite!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just remember that brown rice has a longer cooking time. If you decide to swap, increase the broth by half a cup and cook for about 22 minutes instead of 10.
What can I serve with this dish?
This creamy chicken and rice can stand alone as a meal, but for a well-rounded dinner, consider pairing it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream. Both will provide creaminess without dairy.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can chop your vegetables and season your chicken ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, everything can be tossed into the Instant Pot for a quick dinner.
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📖 Recipe Card
One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: One Pot
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Description
One Pot Chicken and Rice is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, this meal combines wholesome ingredients for a comforting flavor that everyone will love.
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
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and the onion is translucent (2-3 minutes).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear them in the pot until lightly golden on each side (2-3 minutes).
- Pour in the rinsed rice and low-sodium chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, ensuring no bits are stuck.
- Lock the lid in place, set the pressure valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release to let out the steam. Carefully remove the lid, and stir in the heavy cream, frozen peas, and carrots until well mixed.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste and serve hot. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
This recipe can be easily adjusted for a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
