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

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal is a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction in every bite. This cozy meal combines tender chicken with fluffy rice, enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce that wraps around your taste buds like a soft blanket. It’s the kind of dish that perfectly balances rich flavors and comforting textures, making it a family favorite on busy weeknights.

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 tried a one-pot meal; it felt like magic, pulling together all my favorite ingredients without the hassle of multiple pans. This beautiful dish does just that, allowing you to sip a glass of wine while everything simmers away, infusing your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Best of all, it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an effortless yet impressive option for dinner. You’ll want to whip this up again and again, whether for a casual family meal or a cozy gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings.
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy sauce paired with tender chicken and rice creates a comforting mouthful that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors from the peas and carrots make this dish look as delightful as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for dinner but delicious as leftovers, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjustable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets by swapping out a few ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I recommend breasts for a leaner texture, but thighs provide richer flavor if you prefer a more decadent meal.
1 cup long-grain white rice: This type of rice cooks perfectly fluffy in the Instant Pot, but you can use brown rice for some added nuttiness—just remember it requires longer cooking.
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: A flavorful base that keeps the dish from being too salty; vegetable broth is also a great light alternative.
1 cup heavy cream: For a dreamy richness; half-and-half or coconut milk works well for a lighter or dairy-free version.
3 cloves fresh garlic: Always choose fresh garlic for maximum flavor; minced garlic paste can be a substitute if you’re in a pinch.
1 medium onion: Any type will work—yellow or white onions are great for adding sweetness as they cook.
1 cup frozen peas and carrots: A mix that’s easy to add; feel free to swap in whatever vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers or spinach.
2 tbsp unsalted butter: Melting butter adds a lovely richness; olive oil is a lighter substitute if you prefer.
1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper: Adjust these seasonings to suit your palate, ensuring a well-balanced dish.
Fresh herbs (parsley or chives): Garnishing with fresh herbs adds a pop of color and brightness to your meal.
Additional vegetables: Consider including mushrooms or spinach for an extra nutritional boost and added flavor.

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

Sauté the Aromatics: 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, about 2-3 minutes.

Sear the Chicken: While the aroma fills your kitchen, season 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Sear the chicken in the pot for about 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly golden; this step builds flavor and color.

Combine Rice and Broth: Pour in 1 cup of rinsed long-grain white rice along with 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. It’s important to scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, ensuring no flavorful bits are stuck to the bottom.

Cook Under Pressure: Lock the lid in place and set the pressure valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. This timing guarantees perfectly cooked rice and tender chicken.

Release and Stir: Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release to let out the steam. Carefully remove the lid, and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, along with 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots, mixing everything until well incorporated.

Season to Taste: Take a moment to adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more salt or pepper if necessary. Serve hot, topped with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for that lovely burst of freshness at the end.

Storing & Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is often the case), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze this meal for up to 3 months in a sturdy freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Just keep in mind that the creaminess may slightly change; adding a splash of broth can refresh it beautifully.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken by keeping an eye on the searing time; it should be golden but not cooked through at that point.
Rinse the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps achieve a fluffier texture.
If you’re using brown rice, increase the cooking time as needed—generally, add an extra 10 minutes and a bit more liquid.
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce at the end; it brightens the whole dish.
Feel free to make this meal ahead of time! It reheats wonderfully and often tastes better the next day.

One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal brings all the cozy vibes to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s a dish that beautifully combines simplicity with deliciousness, making it perfect for any weeknight gathering. Gathering around a bowl of this comfort food feels like a warm hug after a long day—so don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients or add a twist of your own. Enjoy the creamy goodness, and happy cooking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works well but needs a longer cooking time. Generally, you’ll want to cook for 20 minutes on high pressure instead of 10. You may also need to increase the amount of broth slightly, so keep an eye on it while cooking.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. This swap will still give you that creamy texture without the dairy, making it suitable for dairy-free diets.

What can I do with leftovers?

Leftovers reheating beautifully, but you can also turn them into delicious lunch wraps or serve them over fresh greens for a hearty salad. Just remember to adjust the seasoning a bit after reheating!

Can I add different vegetables to this recipe?

Certainly! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies such as bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Just remember that some vegetables, like zucchini, might need less cooking time, so add them towards the end of the pressure cooking process.