Creamy Chicken and Rice (One-Pot Meal)

This easy creamy chicken and rice recipe is the ultimate one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. With juicy chicken thighs, aromatic garlic, and creamy Parmesan cheese, this flavorful dish is both comforting and satisfying. Made in just one pot, it combines chicken, rice, and vegetables into a deliciously creamy, savory dinner that requires minimal cleanup. Ideal for anyone seeking a simple yet hearty meal, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of comfort food and easy chicken recipes.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 large carrots, grated or cut into matchsticks
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1″ pieces
• 2 tsp salt (divided)
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 bay leaves (optional)
• 1 cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay)
• 5 cups hot low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups medium-grain rice or Jasmine rice (unrinsed)
• 1 whole head of garlic
• 1/3 cup finely chopped Italian parsley
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat 1/4 cup olive oil and 2 Tbsp unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the diced onion, grated carrots, and 1 tsp salt. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and golden.
2. Add the chicken thighs, bay leaves (if using), 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the pot. Stir occasionally, cooking until the chicken is golden on all sides (about 5 minutes).
3. Increase the heat to high and pour in the white wine. Bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Allow the wine to reduce, cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated.
4. Add the hot chicken broth, then stir in the rice.
5. Cut the top off a whole head of garlic to expose the cloves but keep the root end intact. Place the garlic head sliced-side down in the center of the rice.
6. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked.
7. Turn off the heat. Remove the garlic head (you can either squeeze the soft garlic cloves into the rice for added flavor or discard it). Stir in the remaining 2 Tbsp butter until fully incorporated, followed by the chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese. The dish should be creamy and flavorful.
8. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one-pot creamy chicken and rice is the ultimate comfort food. The rich flavors of the chicken, savory broth, and creamy Parmesan blend perfectly, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. The garlic adds a delicious depth, and the simplicity of the recipe makes it perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal cleanup, this is a go-to dish for easy, delicious meals.

Tips

• Use a high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
• For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
• To ensure the rice cooks properly, keep the pot covered and avoid stirring too often during the simmering process.
• If the rice isn’t fully cooked after 15 minutes, add a little more broth and continue cooking on low heat until done.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred, but be sure to adjust the cooking time since chicken breasts cook faster.
• For a lighter version, replace the butter with olive oil and skip the cheese.
• Add vegetables like peas, spinach, or bell peppers for a boost of color and nutrition.
• For extra flavor, season with additional herbs such as thyme or rosemary.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so you may need to increase the simmering time and add more broth or water.

Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

What can I serve with this dish?
This creamy chicken and rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for extra freshness.

Serving

Serve this comforting dish with a light side salad and some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For wine pairings, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay would complement the flavors well.

Suggestions

For a richer flavor, try adding a bit of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the chicken as it cooks. If you like a bit of crunch, top the dish with toasted breadcrumbs before serving.