One Pan Creamy Chicken and Rice

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish like One Pan Creamy Chicken and Rice. Picture this: after a long day, you walk into your kitchen, the aroma of sautéing vegetables fills the air, and soon you’ll be savoring a bowl of creamy goodness that brings warmth to your soul. This recipe has become a staple in my home, especially on those busy weeknights when I want something quick yet satisfying. The beauty lies in its simplicity—everything cooks together in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy the meal with family. I remember the first time I made it; the rich flavors of the tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and creamy sauce left everyone asking for seconds. It’s not just a meal; it’s a way to gather and share stories around the table, making ordinary days feel special.

Key Ingredients for One Pan Creamy Chicken and Rice

When it comes to creating a delightful dish like One Pan Creamy Chicken and Rice, the ingredients play a crucial role. Each element works harmoniously to create a comforting and delicious meal. The combination of wholesome vegetables, tender chicken, and creamy sauce brings a balance of flavors and textures that you don’t want to miss.

• Yellow Onion – A fundamental ingredient that adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
• Carrots – These bring a natural sweetness and a delightful crunch.
• Celery – Adds a refreshing crispness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Olive Oil – Essential for sautéing the veggies and chicken, providing a rich base.
• Chicken Thighs – Juicy and flavorful, they make the dish hearty and satisfying.
• Garlic – Adds aromatic richness that elevates the dish to the next level.
• Long Grain White Rice – Absorbs all the wonderful flavors, making every bite a joy.
• Chicken Broth – Provides moisture and enhances the savory taste.
• Thyme and Rosemary – Fresh herbs that infuse the dish with a delightful aroma and flavor.
• Salt and Pepper – Basic seasoning that rounds out the flavors.
• Frozen Peas – Adds a pop of color and sweetness.
• Heavy Cream – Creates a rich and creamy sauce that brings everything together.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty flavor and extra creaminess.
• Fresh Parsley – A garnish that adds freshness and color to the finished dish.

Recipe Steps for One Pan Creamy Chicken and Rice

Making One Pan Creamy Chicken and Rice is quite straightforward. Once you gather your ingredients, this dish comes together with just a few simple steps. Let’s dive into the delicious process!

1. Start by heating 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil shimmers, which indicates it’s hot enough to sauté. Then, add chopped yellow onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté these for about 8 to 9 minutes, or until they’re tender and the onions are transparent. This step lays the flavorful foundation for the dish.
2. Once softened, transfer the sautéed vegetables to a plate and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium-high heat again until it’s shimmering.
3. Add the trimmed boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces. Cook these for approximately 3 minutes, allowing them to get a beautiful golden brown. Then, stir in minced garlic and continue to cook for another 2 minutes, until the chicken is nearly cooked through and aromatic.
4. Now it’s time to add the long grain white rice, slow-sodium chicken broth, and the minced herbs (thyme and rosemary). Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. These ingredients will create a rich and comforting base for your dish.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is nearly tender.
6. Next, stir in the frozen petite peas and heavy cream. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the rice to fully absorb the flavors and become tender.
7. Finally, stir in the finely shredded parmesan cheese and minced fresh parsley. Mix well until everything is combined, then taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor.
8. Once finished, remove from heat and let it sit for a few moments. Serve warm, ensuring everyone gets a generous portion. This One Pan Creamy Chicken and Rice is a guaranteed hit!

Make It Your Own

When it comes to the One Pan Creamy Chicken and Rice, the possibilities are endless. Here are some tips to make this dish uniquely yours.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the rice.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this dish! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with a light salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat if you like a bit of spice in your meal.
• Cheesy goodness: Feel free to add more parmesan cheese if you want a cheesier flavor.
• Vegetable variations: Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a twist!

What to Pair With One Pan Creamy Chicken and Rice

• Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all the delicious creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside some steamed broccoli or green beans for a nutritious boost.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and family gatherings, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
• Seasonal Pairings: In the fall, consider adding roasted pumpkin or squash as a side to enhance the flavors.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten up the dish beautifully.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, One Pan Creamy Chicken and Rice stands out as a wonderfully comforting and easy dish that combines the best of flavors and textures. I encourage you to give it a try! Not only does it bring joy to the table, but it also makes for a warm, fulfilling family meal that everyone will love. Enjoy creating your own version of this delightful recipe!

One Pan Creamy Chicken and Rice

The ultimate comfort food, One Pan Creamy Chicken and Rice is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy dish combines tender chicken with flavorful rice and veggies in a single pan. Experience the magic tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing Bowl
• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Saucepan
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 1 Yellow Onion 1 small, chopped
• 1 Carrots 2 medium, sliced
• 1 Celery 3 stalks, sliced
• 2 Olive Oil divided, tablespoons
• 1 1/4 Chicken Thighs lbs, trimmed, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 Garlic tablespoon, minced (3 cloves)
• 1 Long Grain White Rice cup
• 2 1/2 Chicken Broth cups, slow-sodium
• 1 1/2 Thyme teaspoon, minced fresh and/or rosemary
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste, freshly ground black
• 1 Frozen Peas cup, petite
• 1/2 Heavy Cream cup
• 1/3 Parmesan Cheese cup, finely shredded
• 2 Parsley tablespoons, minced fresh

Instructions

 

• Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped yellow onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery and sauté until tender, about 8 to 9 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
• Heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the trimmed boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces and cook for about 3 minutes until golden brown. Then, stir in minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until nearly cooked through.
• Stir in long grain white rice, slow-sodium chicken broth, and minced herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes or until liquid has been absorbed and rice is nearly tender.
• Stir in frozen petite peas and heavy cream. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until rice is fully tender.
• Finally, stir in finely shredded parmesan cheese and minced fresh parsley. Mix well, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm.

Notes

• Cheesier Option: Add more parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.
• Veggie Variations: Feel free to add different veggies, but keep in mind they should cook at a similar rate to the onions, celery, and carrots.

Keyword Comfort Food Recipe, Creamy Chicken Rice, easy chicken dinner, One Pan Chicken

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Meet Sophia Hayes

I founded YumRecettes to turn my messy, joyful kitchen experiments into something I could share. While I steer the ship, I am first and foremost a cook. I love tackling every type of recipe, from grandmother’s old classics to modern fusion dishes. For me, the magic isn’t in a specific type of food, but in the act of preparing it. I’m usually the one urging the team to try that “one last idea” that ends up making the dish perfect.