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Easy Creamy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe for Perfect Weeknight Dinner

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A comforting and creamy one-pot chicken and rice dish that is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs with buttery rice cooked together for a rich, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream or 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried thyme (about 1 teaspoon).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown for about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Add the rice to the pot and stir well to coat with oil. Toast lightly for 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in 2 ½ cups chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits. Return the chicken thighs on top of the rice. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
  6. Remove chicken briefly. Stir in heavy cream or cream cheese until creamy and fully melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Nestle the chicken back in the pot to reheat for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not stir the rice while it cooks to avoid mushiness. Toast the rice before adding broth for better texture. Add cream or cream cheese off heat or on very low heat to prevent curdling. If rice is not tender after 25 minutes, add a splash more broth and cook a few more minutes. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. Use low-sodium broth for better control of salt levels.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot chicken and rice, creamy chicken recipe, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, chicken thighs recipe, creamy rice dish

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/easy-creamy-one-pot-chicken-and-rice-recipe-for-perfect-weeknight-dinner/