One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal
One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal is a dish that embodies warmth, flavor, and lasting comfort. You’ve got tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious creamy sauce, bundled together in one pot making it an effortless meal solution. It’s the kind of dinner that not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this delightful dish during a particularly chilly evening; I craved something hearty but didn’t want to spend hours cooking. This is when I discovered the beauty of the Instant Pot. With just a few ingredients that I always have on hand, I whipped up this creamy comfort meal in under 30 minutes! The combination of savory chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and the velvety sauce meant that I had an impressive meal with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll look forward to making it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 30 minutes!
- Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, garlicky goodness with tender chicken and hints of freshness.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of peas and carrots make the dish pop!
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable with chicken broth or dairy alternatives.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken thighs can be used for added richness in flavor.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Provides the perfect fluffy texture, but feel free to swap in brown rice if you crave a nuttier taste (just remember it requires longer cooking time).
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The base of your delightful sauce. Vegetable broth can lighten the dish nicely.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds a luscious creaminess; for a lighter option, consider half-and-half or coconut milk.
- 3 cloves fresh garlic: Fresh garlic brings a depth of flavor; always prefer fresh for the best impact.
- 1 medium onion: This can be yellow or white onion—both add sweetness and flavor.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots: A great way to sneak in veggies; swap with whatever you have on hand.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: To create that rich base; substituting olive oil works too if you want a lighter touch.
- 1 tsp salt: Adjust according to your taste; it can enhance the flavor balance.
- 1 tsp pepper: Adds a hint of heat—feel free to tweak this as needed.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley or chives sprinkled on top elevates the dish with freshness.
- Additional vegetables: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can add nutrition and flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal
Sauté Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it shimmers. Add 1 medium chopped onion and 3 minced cloves of fresh garlic, stirring often for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
Sear the Chicken: Season 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Place the chicken in the pot and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. This step infuses the dish with flavor and seals in the juices.
Mix in Rice: Pour in 1 cup of rinsed long-grain white rice and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze it, ensuring no browned bits are stuck! You want all that delicious flavor.
Pressure Cook: Lock the lid in place and set the pressure valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how the magic happens inside the Instant Pot!
Release and Stir: Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release to let the steam out carefully. Remove the lid, and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream along with 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots until everything is well mixed and creamy.
Adjust and Serve: Take a moment to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of brightness.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, it freezes well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your One Pot Chicken and Rice again, simply reheat it in the microwave for about 2 minutes or in a saucepan on low heat until warmed through. Just a side note: Creamy dishes can thicken slightly when reheated, so adding a splash of chicken broth can help revive the original texture!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken; it should be tender yet firm.
- Using room-temperature chicken helps it cook evenly.
- If you want to enhance flavors, consider sautéing your veggies with the onions before adding the chicken.
- Always scrape the bottom of the pot well to prevent the Burn notice during pressure cooking.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to elevate your dish!
One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal brings both simplicity and heartiness to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just yourself, it allows for experimentation and creativity, encouraging you to add your personal touch. I hope this dish becomes a regular part of your meal rotation—enjoy the simplicity and comfort it brings!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this dish with brown rice?
Absolutely, you can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice. However, remember it will require a longer cooking time—generally about 20 minutes on high pressure in the Instant Pot. Adjust the liquid as needed since brown rice absorbs more moisture.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or even coconut milk work beautifully as alternatives. Both will still yield a creamy texture without the richness of heavy cream, perfect for lighter meals!
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot?
Make sure to deglaze the pot thoroughly after adding the rice. Scraping up any stuck bits of onion and chicken from the bottom helps to mitigate the risk of burning and ensures that your rice cooks more evenly.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. Feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or greens like spinach to customize your dish and amp up the nutrition. Just ensure they’re cut into small pieces so they cook properly.
PrintMore One Pot Recipes
- Stovetop Chili
- One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Crockpot Chicken Paprikash
- One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 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: 101|Main Dishes
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy the comfort of One Pot Chicken and Rice, a delectable dish made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and rice. This quick and flavorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table.
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 min).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear them in the pot until lightly golden on each side (2-3 min).
- 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
Consider using chicken thighs for added richness.
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option.
Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
