Introduction

Have you ever wondered how to create a comforting meal that brings the family together without the chaos of multiple pots and pans? The secret lies in a well-crafted one-pan recipe. In this blog post, I’m excited to share with you the delightful recipe for One-Pan Creamy Chicken with Rice, a dish that marries convenience with supreme flavor. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and offers a rich, creamy texture that evokes warmth and satisfaction with every bite.

Ingredients List

Let’s get cooking! Here’s what you will need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if you prefer)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup arborio rice (for a creamier texture, though long-grain rice works too)
• 3 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for a lighter option, try half and half)
• 1 cup frozen peas (you can substitute with spinach or green beans)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (fresh thyme adds vibrant flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

This combination creates a dish that is not only pleasing to the palate but also visually stunning, thanks to the bursts of green from the peas against the creamy backdrop!

Timing

The magic of this recipe lies in its efficiency. The total time required for preparation and cooking is approximately 60 minutes, which is 25% less time than your average multi-pan meal. Here’s the breakdown:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary, then toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Add the Rice

Next, add the arborio rice to the skillet. Stir it around for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the grains to absorb the flavors from the onion and garlic, creating a wonderful base for the dish.

Step 4: Add the Liquid

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the dried thyme and return the chicken to the pan, ensuring it’s nestled nicely into the broth. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5: Cream It Up!

Once the rice is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas, mixing until everything is well combined. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, just until the peas are heated through and the sauce thickens slightly. This is where the magic happens!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This dish is perfect as is, but you could also add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra touch of richness.

Nutritional Information

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking for ways to make this dish even healthier while keeping the taste intact, consider these swaps:

• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter option.
• Use brown rice instead of arborio rice for added fiber and nutrients.
• Increase the veggie content by adding bell peppers or carrots along with the peas.
• For a lower-sodium option, utilize homemade chicken stock or low-sodium broth.

Serving Suggestions

This One-Pan Creamy Chicken with Rice shines on its own, but you can elevate the meal further with these suggestions:

• Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad drizzled with vinaigrette to balance the creaminess.
• A white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the richness of the dish.
• Add some sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
• Accompany with warm crusty bread to soak up the delightful sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your One-Pan Creamy Chicken with Rice turns out perfectly, watch out for these common pitfalls:

• Underseasoning: Don’t be shy with your seasonings! Chicken can be bland without adequate salt and pepper.
• Overcooking the Rice: Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent mushy rice. It should be creamy yet firm.
• Not Enough Liquid: Make sure there’s enough broth; it’s vital for cooking the rice properly.
• Skimping on the Cream: The cream is what makes this dish decadent. Don’t hold back!

Storing Tips for the Recipe

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is often the case with this crowd-pleaser), here’s how to store them:

• Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware, freezing may slightly change the texture of the rice.
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy consistency.

Conclusion

In just one pan and less than an hour, you can create an incredibly satisfying meal with One-Pan Creamy Chicken with Rice. Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes and kitchen tips!

FAQs

A: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used; however, they may dry out more easily than thighs. Consider adjusting cooking time accordingly.

B: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth to keep it flavorful and satisfying.

C: How do I reheat the leftovers?

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream if it seems dry.

D: Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to customize with vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even kale for added nutrients.

Irresistible OnePan Creamy Chicken Rice Recipe for Dinner

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• Author: jamal
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Savor easy OnePan Creamy Chicken Rice for a quick dinner This flavorful dish combines tender chicken and creamy rice in one pot Enjoy

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 tablespoons of olive oil, plus more for drizzling

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup of arborio rice

3 cups of chicken broth

1 cup of heavy cream

1 cup of frozen peas

1 teaspoon of dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary, then toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent.

Add the arborio rice to the skillet. Stir it around for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the grains to absorb the flavors from the onion and garlic.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the dried thyme and return the chicken to the pan. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes.

Once the rice is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas, mixing until well combined. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Optionally sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Notes

A comforting one-pan meal that brings the family together, with a rich, creamy texture and supreme flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 32g