If your looking for a comforting meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, this One Pot Chicken and Rice is your answer. This dish isn’t just rich in flavor but also incredibly convenient, making it perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a quick, wholesome dinner option. This recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and creamy rice into an easy one pot, satisfying meal. Plus, the ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry. So, lets get to the details!
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Meal of Chicken and Rice
- Easy Clean-Up- Only one pot is used for the entire cooking process so that means less mess!
- Flavorful and Nutritious- The diced chicken breast provides lean protein, Minute Rice is a quick and easy source of carbs that keeps you full, and adding onions, carrots, and celery boosts the nutritional content with vitamins and minerals
- Customizable- Want more veggies? Toss in some peas or bell peppers. Prefer a different flavor? Experiment with spices or herbs. The flexibility of this recipe means you can make it your own, ensuring it suits your taste and dietary needs perfectly.
Simple Ingredients for Chicken and Rice
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Butter
- Yellow onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Minced garlic
- Chicken broth
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt & Black Pepper
- Minute Rice
- Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Cream of Chicken Soup
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Rice
Cook the veggies: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Then add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the veggies start to soften and then add the garlic.
Add the chicken: Add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Then add the chicken and seasonings. Cook the chicken through.
Cook the rice: Add the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom, and cream of chicken. Boil for 1-2 minutes and then turn off the heat. Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the broth.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Rice Dinner
Cooking a delicious one-pot chicken and rice dish is a perfect way to get a hearty and flavorful meal on the table with minimal fuss. But to take it from good to great, there are a few tips and tricks you should keep in mind.
Proper Liquid Ratios
- Getting the liquid-to-rice ratio right is crucial for the perfect texture. Too much liquid, and you’ll end up with a mushy mess. Too little, and your rice will be undercooked and crunchy.
- Different types of rice require different amounts of liquid. For instance, Minute Rice typically needs less liquid compared to long-grain or jasmine rice. If you’re using Minute Rice, like the recipe calls for, the general rule is a 1:1 ratio of rice to liquid. However, when you’re making a one-pot dish where the veggies and meat also release juices, you might want to slightly reduce the liquid.
- Always check the package for specific guidelines for the proper liquid-to-rice ratio.
Delicious Variations of Creamy Chicken and Rice
One of the easiest ways to change up this recipe is by changing the rice. I love instant rice because it is quick and comes out perfectly every time. But you can make this rice casserole using long-grain rice, rice pilaf, or wild rice. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time.
Top with Cheese
- Everything is better with cheese. You can add parmesan cheese to the top of the rice mixture before serving. You can go a step further and stir in cheddar cheese before serving.
Mexican Style
- Salsa: Start by mixing in a cup of your favorite salsa. This adds a tangy and slightly spicy undertone that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Corn: Add a cup of corn kernels. They provide a sweet crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken.
- Black Beans: Incorporate a can of black beans, rinsed and drained. These beans add protein and a hearty texture.
- Seasoning: Sprinkle some cumin and chili powder to enhance the flavors.
Asian Inspired
- Soy Sauce: Replace some of the chicken broth with soy sauce. This adds a deep umami flavor.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger works best. Grate about a tablespoon to mix in. It adds a warm, spicy kick.
- Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil gives the dish a nutty aroma and taste.
- Vegetables: Add water chestnuts and snap peas for extra crunch and freshness.
Mediterranean Style
- Olives: Go for pitted Kalamata olives. Their briny flavor pairs superbly with chicken.
- Feta Cheese: Crumble some feta cheese on top. It adds creaminess and a slightly tangy flavor.
- Herbs: Sprinkle dried oregano and fresh parsley. These herbs enhance the Mediterranean vibe.
- Tomatoes: Toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.
How to Store Leftover Chicken and Rice
Refrigeration Tips
- Cool It Down: Allow the chicken and rice to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the dish into airtight containers to keep moisture and air out. This helps maintain the flavor and texture.
- Label and Date: Always label the containers with the date you cooked the meal. This makes it easier to track how long it’s been stored.
- Storage Duration: Your chicken and rice will last for up to 4 days in the fridge. Beyond this point, it’s best to discard any leftovers to avoid the risk of spoilage.
Freezing Instructions
- Pre-freeze Cooling: Make sure the dish is completely cooled to room temperature before freezing. This prevents ice crystals from forming and affecting the texture.
- Portion Control: Divide the chicken and rice into meal-sized portions. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need, reducing waste.
- Use Freezer-Safe Containers: Place the portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and Date Again: Just like with refrigeration, label the containers or bags with the date to keep track.
- Store Flat: If using freezer bags, lay them flat in the freezer. This saves space and makes the portions easier to stack.
Reheating Methods
- Thawing Options: Place the frozen portion in the fridge a day before you plan to eat it or use the microwave’s defrost setting if you’re in a hurry.
- Stovetop Reheating: For the best results, reheat the chicken and rice on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist while heating over medium heat.
- Microwave Reheating: You can also reheat it in the microwave. Place the portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
FAQ
What can I substitute for chicken?
- Beef, Pork, or Turkey: Any of these meats will work the same as chicken. White rice goes well with all of them and changing up the proteins can create a new recipe that the whole family will rave over.
- Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu works best. Cut it into bite-sized cubes and cook them until they are slightly crispy before adding them to your pot. Tofu absorbs flavors well, making it a great meat substitute.
- Beans: Chickpeas, black beans, or kidney beans can add a hearty texture and plenty of protein. Rinse and drain canned beans before adding them to the pot. These are great because they’re already cooked, cutting down on your preparation time.
- Vegetables: If you want to keep it light, adding more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchinis, or peas can boost the nutritional value and flavor of your dish. These veggies can be sautéed along with the onions, carrots, and celery in the beginning.
If you gave this recipe a try, leave a comment below! I love reading your feedback!
Check out a few more of my favorites:
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Adjust Servings people
Ingredients
- 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts diced into bite size peices
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 3 cups Minute Rice
- 10.5 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup
- 10.5 ounce can of cream of chicken soup
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter and once melted add the onion, carrots and celery. Stirring occasionally, allow the vegetable to sauté for 5-8 minutes until they start to soften then add minced garlic and allow to sauté for an additional 45 seconds.
- Add the chicken broth to the skillet and allow to come to a boil. Once boiling add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper. Allow the chicken and vegetable to boil for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables are soft.
- Add the Minute Rice, cream of mushroom, and cream of chicken. Stir until well combined and bring back to a boil. Allow rice to boil for 1-2 minutes then turn off heat, cover with a lid and allow it to set for 10-15 minutes to absorb excess broth and finish cooking. Serve & enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Where can I find the printable recipe with measurements? I see the ingredients, but no measurements. Plus you say two cars of cream soups, but not in the video.
The full printable recipe is at the bottom of the page within the recipe card. It has ingredients and measurements.