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Easy One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice

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A comforting, creamy chicken and rice dish made in one pot, perfect for quick and easy weeknight meals with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 3 cups chicken broth or stock
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Dice onion finely and mince garlic cloves. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter over medium heat in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika, and cook until just browned but not fully cooked through, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  4. Stir in the rinsed rice and coat it well in the buttery mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom gently to lift any stuck bits. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low and cover the pot tightly. Let simmer without lifting the lid for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid mostly absorbed. If rice isn’t tender but liquid is gone, add a splash more broth or water and continue cooking a few more minutes.
  6. Remove from heat, stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Rinse rice to prevent clumping. Keep lid on during simmering to trap steam. Add cream and cheese off heat to avoid curdling. For crispier top, broil 2-3 minutes at the end. Use chicken thighs for juicier results. Adjust liquid if rice is not tender. Can substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for low-carb version.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, creamy chicken and rice, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, chicken thighs, creamy rice

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/easy-one-pot-creamy-chicken-and-rice-recipe-for-perfect-comfort-meals/