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

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One of the ultimate comfort meals in the world of cooking has to be One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal. It combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and a medley of vegetables to create a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; you can whip it up in just 30 minutes using your Instant Pot, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners. As it simmers away, the magical aroma fills your kitchen, coaxing everyone to gather around the table in anticipation.

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
One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal

One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal

This dish became a staple in my home shortly after I discovered it. The first time I prepared this creamy chicken and rice, I was stunned by how effortlessly it all came together. The tender chicken mingled with the comforting creaminess of the rice, making it hard to resist going back for seconds—and maybe even thirds! The one-pot advantage means less cleanup, making it even easier to enjoy this delightful meal with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to experience the warmth and coziness in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cook time, you can have dinner on the table in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, onion, and creamy broth layers delicious flavors that make each bite a joy.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish is not only comforting but also visually appealing, with vibrant peas and carrots adding a pop of color.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a small gathering of friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily customize with vegetable broth or substitute the cream for a lighter option!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts keep it lean, but using thighs can add a richer flavor.
1 cup long-grain white rice: This rice absorbs the flavors beautifully; brown rice can be used for a nuttier taste but requires longer cooking.
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: A key ingredient that adds depth; vegetable broth can lighten the dish.
1 cup heavy cream: For that luxurious creaminess; half-and-half or coconut milk can be substituted for a lighter or dairy-free version.
3 cloves fresh garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that aromatic depth of flavor.
1 medium onion: Any type you prefer will add sweetness; yellow or white onions are nice choices.
1 cup frozen peas and carrots: A quick and easy way to incorporate vegetables; feel free to swap in other favorites.
2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness; olive oil can be a lighter alternative.
1 tsp salt: Adjust according to personal taste to heighten flavors.
1 tsp pepper: For seasoning; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or chives adds a pop of freshness before serving.
Additional vegetables: Adding in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can boost nutrition and flavor.

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

Melt Butter: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter. As the butter froths, it will start to smell amazing—this is your cue to move to the next step.

Cook Aromatics: Add 1 medium onion (chopped) and 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced) to the pot. Stir until fragrant and the onion turns translucent, about 2–3 minutes. This step builds the flavor base for your creamy chicken and rice.

Sear Chicken: Season 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper. Place the chicken in the pot and sear each side until lightly golden, approximately 2–3 minutes per side. This quick sear helps lock in moisture, creating a juicy texture.

Combine Ingredients: Pour in 1 cup long-grain white rice and 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Make sure to rinse the rice beforehand. Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, lifting any flavorful bits stuck at the bottom. This adds more depth to your dish.

Pressure Cook: Lock the lid in place and set the pressure valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the broth, becoming fluffy and full of flavor.

Release Pressure: Once cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick release to let out the steam. Afterward, remove the lid and stir in 1 cup heavy cream, along with 1 cup frozen peas and carrots. Mixing these in adds color and nutrition to your creamy creation.

Taste & Serve: Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs for that finishing touch. Each bite will transport you to a comforting place of home and warmth!

Storing & Reheating

To store your creamy chicken and rice, let it cool at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, portion it out in freezer-safe containers and it will last up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, reheat it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You might notice a slight texture change, but a splash of broth or cream can refresh its creaminess.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken by sticking to the specified time—pressurized cooking can result in dry meat.
For a creamier consistency, allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking; this gives the sauce time to thicken.
To prevent sticking, rinse your rice well before adding to your Instant Pot.
Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite veggies or spices; it’s a versatile dish.
Consider preparing some components ahead of time, like chopped veggies, to save even more time on the day you plan to cook.

There you have it! The perfect blend of comforting and delicious in just 30 minutes. Don’t be afraid to make this One Pot Chicken and Rice | Creamy Comfort Meal your own by mixing in personal favorites or seasonal ingredients.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead?

Absolutely! While brown rice provides a nuttier flavor, it does require a longer cooking time. For best results, you’ll want to increase the broth to 2 ½ cups and the cooking time to 20 minutes on high pressure. Remember to use the quick release method once it’s done.

What can I serve with this dish?

This creamy chicken and rice is hearty enough on its own, but you can serve it with a light salad or some crusty bread on the side. A side of steamed vegetables could also complement the meal beautifully!

Can I adjust the creaminess?

Definitely! If you prefer a lighter version, simply swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk. You could even use a smaller amount of cream and mix it with more chicken broth for reduced calories while still enjoying that luscious texture.

How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauté the aromatics in advance. Store them separately, and on the day of serving, combine them with the rice and broth in your Instant Pot. This way, you’ll have a fresh, hot meal without the wait!