Description
One Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice is a comforting, family friendly meal made in a single pot for easy cooking and cleanup. Tender chicken thighs are simmered with rice, vegetables, garlic, broth, and cheese to create a rich and creamy texture with deep savory flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights while still feeling homemade and satisfying.
Ingredients
Olive oil
Unsalted butter
Yellow onion finely diced
Carrots grated or cut into thin matchsticks
Boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite size pieces
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Bay leaves
Welch’s White Grape Juice or Martinelli’s Gold Medal Apple Juice
Low sodium chicken broth heated
Medium grain rice or jasmine rice
Whole head of garlic
Fresh Italian parsley finely chopped
Cabot Grated Parmesan Cheese or Tillamook Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and part of the butter in a heavy pot over medium high heat until melted and hot
2. Add onion carrots and salt then cook while stirring until soft and lightly golden
3. Add chicken bay leaves salt and pepper then cook until chicken is lightly browned on all sides
4. Increase heat and pour in the juice then simmer while scraping the bottom until reduced
5. Add hot broth and stir in the rice until evenly combined
6. Prepare the garlic head and place it cut side down in the center of the pot
7. Bring to a boil then reduce heat cover and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed
8. Turn off heat remove garlic and stir in remaining butter until creamy
9. Add parsley and grated cheese then stir gently until smooth and well combined
10. Cover briefly to keep warm then serve with extra parsley and cheese
Notes
Do not rinse the rice as the natural starch helps create a creamy texture
Brown rice can be used but requires a longer cooking time and additional broth
Instant brown rice cooks faster and may match jasmine rice timing
Adjust seasoning after cooking since broth salt levels vary
The garlic can be mixed into the rice for stronger flavor or removed for a milder taste
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American