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 more than just a meal; it’s a cozy hug on a plate. Picture tender chicken, fragrant rice, and a creamy sauce all coming together in one pot, making dinner not only easy to prepare but also a delightful experience for everyone at the table. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to bring out the richness of the flavors while keeping the cooking process a breeze. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cleanup, you can create a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting, perfect for those busy weeknights or relaxed Sundays.

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

I remember the first time I made this dish—the aroma that filled my kitchen was enough to make anyone wander in, drawn by curiosity and hunger. We shared stories, laughter, and flavors that felt like home. One Pot Chicken and Rice has since become a go-to recipe not only for its harmony of taste but also for its versatility and the love it brings to the dinner table. I can’t wait for you to give it a try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy and savory with a hint of garlic that lingers.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A lovely dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Great for a family dinner or impressing guests.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein that cooks quickly; you can also use thighs for added richness.
1 cup long-grain white rice: This type helps achieve that fluffy and tender texture. Brown rice can be used too, but it requires more cooking time.
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provides moisture and flavor; vegetable broth can also work nicely for a lighter dish.
1 cup heavy cream: Adds that luscious and creamy texture; you could swap it with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter or dairy-free options.
3 cloves fresh garlic: Always go fresh for the best flavor; minced and aromatic, it makes a huge difference.
1 medium onion: Sweetens as it cooks; any variety like yellow or white works well here.
1 cup frozen peas and carrots: A great mix of veggies—stir in whatever you have on hand for added color and nutrients.
2 tbsp unsalted butter: Helps in sautéing ingredients; feel free to replace it with olive oil if you prefer a lighter option.
1 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors; adjust according to your taste preference.
1 tsp pepper: Adds a little kick; adjust as needed based on your preference.
Fresh herbs (optional): A sprinkle of parsley or chives at the end makes for a beautiful presentation.
Additional vegetables: Consider bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and flavor.

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

Sauté: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the chopped onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and the onion turns translucent, around 2-3 minutes. Enjoy the aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Sear: Season 1 lbs of chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Carefully place the chicken in the pot and sear it until lightly golden on each side, about 2-3 minutes. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

Combine: Pour in 1 cup of rinsed long-grain white rice and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, releasing any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This ensures a rich flavor in your final dish.

Pressure Cook: Lock the lid securely in place, set the pressure valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will do its magic, sealing in all that flavor.

Release: Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release to let out the steam carefully. When the pressure has fully released, remove the lid, and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, along with the frozen peas and carrots until well mixed. The creaminess will elevate the dish!

Season & Serve: Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more salt or pepper if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and watch your family dig in with joy!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, microwave it on medium power for about 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, so a splash of broth or milk can refresh it beautifully.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always use fresh garlic for the best flavor impact; powdered garlic just won’t cut it.
Make sure your chicken is trimmed of excess fat before cooking for a cleaner flavor.
For perfect rice texture, avoid removing the lid until the quick release is complete; it helps maintain pressure.
Adjust cooking times if you decide to add more vegetables; denser ones like carrots may need a couple more minutes.
Consider making a double batch to enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day; it’s even better!

One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal is just a few steps away from becoming your family’s new favorite dinner. Not only is it a satisfying and wholesome meal, but it’s also an invitation to gather around the table, share stories, and create memories. Give it a go, maybe experiment with different veggies or spices, and make it your own. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice requires more cooking time. You might want to adjust the cooking time to about 22-25 minutes under pressure for brown rice to ensure it’s perfectly cooked and tender.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To keep it dairy-free, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk. This will still give you a creamy texture while adding a hint of tropical flavor. Just ensure the broth is also dairy-free!

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just chop them up and toss them in during the sauté phase or with the other ingredients before pressure cooking, depending on their cooking time.

What can I serve with One Pot Chicken and Rice?

While it’s delicious on its own, you can pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy goodness. A light vinaigrette salad complements the richness of the rice and chicken beautifully!

More Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice

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