) Delicious and Easy Chicken Rice Recipe
As I sit here, pen in hand, and a growling stomach, I can already smell the savory aroma of chicken and rice wafting through my kitchen. There’s something so comforting about this classic dish – it’s welcoming, familiar, and always delicious. So today, I’m excited to share with you my take on this timeless recipe: Chicken and Rice.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd at your next gathering, this one-pot chicken and rice recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition in no time.
And let me tell you, this isn’t just any ordinary chicken and rice recipe. This is the kind of recipe that will earn you rave reviews from your guests, who will be begging for seconds (and even thirds!).
So grab your favorite pot (or your trusty Instant Pot), pull up a chair, and get ready to learn how to create a meal that’s as delicious as it is easy – my Chicken with Rice recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, foodies! I’m going to tell you about a recipe that will leave your taste buds begging for more. The Chicken with Rice Recipe is simple yet scrumptious, and it’s perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties.
What’s not to love about this recipe? First of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and one pot, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time. It’s quick and easy – perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have the time (or energy) to cook an elaborate meal.
But don’t let its simplicity fool you – this dish is packed with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and savory broth is simply irresistible. Plus, the addition of carrots, celery, and onion add a burst of freshness to the dish.
And if you’re looking for ways to switch it up, this recipe has plenty of room for customization. You can add your favorite spices or herbs for an extra kick of flavor. You can also swap out the chicken for another protein like beef or shrimp. The possibilities are endless!
But perhaps my favorite thing about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a hearty casserole or as a light and refreshing rice bowl. It pairs well with everything from steamed vegetables to a crisp salad.
If you’re still not convinced, just take a look at the rave reviews this recipe has received on Food Network and other cooking websites. People just can’t get enough of it! And once you give it a try yourself, you’ll understand why.
Trust me – once you taste this Chicken with Rice Recipe, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredient List
Let’s gather up our ingredients, shall we? Make sure you’ve got fresh ground black pepper and some salt on hand to season the dish. For the chicken broth, you’ll need at least two cups. Grab some long grain white rice for a classic taste, and don’t forget some chopped carrot, diced celery, and yellow onion for some extra flavor. Whether you opt for chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, make sure you have about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken in total. Lastly, you’ll need some unsalted butter to give it that rich taste that will make this dish irresistible!
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get cooking a one-pot chicken with rice recipe that is quick and easy to prepare. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together with family or friends. Follow these simple steps and watch as the aromatic flavors of carrots, celery, onion, chicken and rice come to life in one pot full of deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 chicken breasts cut into pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 celery stalk chopped
- 1 carrot peeled and chopped
- 2 cups of long-grain white rice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh ground black pepper and salt
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet or an instant pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt the butter and add onion, celery, and carrot. Cook them over medium heat for about five minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Add rice to the same pan with vegetables and stir well.
- Pour in the chicken broth followed by stirring in salt and pepper according to taste.
- Add back the cooked chicken pieces to the same pan
- Once everything is combined bring to a boil then lower heat to a simmer for about 20 minutes or until rice is fully cooked.
- Take off from heat when complete, then let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing up some using a fork.
This easy and flavorful one-pot creamy chicken with rice recipe will be your new favorite go-to when cooking dinner for yourself or when having guests over at home. It’s affordable, nutritious, filling and best of all, it does not require too much time in preparation or clean-up after enjoying it with your family or friends at home.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe can be easily customized to your preferences or dietary restrictions. You can make it healthier by using olive oil instead of butter, and boneless chicken instead of skin-on to reduce the fat content.
For a different twist, try adding honey to the chicken marinade for a sweet flavor, or replace the chicken with Peek Chicken for a unique taste. You can also use different rice varieties such as wild rice or brown rice to add more texture and nutrients.
If you’re craving some veggies, feel free to toss in some chopped mushrooms, bell pepper or broccoli florets when sautéing the onion for extra nutritional value. On the other hand, if you’re not a fan of carrots, switch them out for zucchini, peas or even corn.
To make this into a creamy version of the classic recipe, stir in some heavy cream and shredded cheese just before serving. Alternatively, try making it in casserole form by layering the ingredients in a baking dish and baking until bubbly.
No matter what variation you choose, let your creativity run wild and experiment with new flavors and textures to make this recipe your own.
Serving and Pairing
Let’s talk serving and pairing, shall we? I’m a firm believer that chicken and rice are a match made in heaven. This one-pot chicken and rice recipe can stand on its own as a satisfying meal. However, if you want to elevate the dining experience just a bit, there are several ways to do it.
First things first, make sure you portion out the chicken and rice onto plates or bowls. Spoon some of the fragrant broth over the top. Finish with a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro.
Now, what to serve alongside your pot of chicken and rice? Consider steaming up some green beans or roasted carrots. They’re simple but create a nice contrast to the flavors of the dish. Alternatively, you could try serving with a side salad tossed with baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, tomatoes, and croutons.
If you want to get creative with your pairing suggestions, why not try some honey or sweet cream butter for a touch of sweetness? Or maybe drizzle with honey mustard dressing for an added tangy flavor that complements the savory taste of this dish.
Oh, and one more thing- don’t forget about wine! If you’re serving this dish to guests or pairing it for a special occasion, opt for a light to medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. These wines provide a crisp complement to the rich flavors.
With all these pairings available at your fingertips, your guests will surely rave about how well-balanced your meal was!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As someone who loves entertaining, I am always searching for recipes that can be made ahead of time. It saves me a lot of hassle on the day of the party and allows me to spend more time with my guests. The good news is that this chicken with rice recipe is perfect for making ahead of time.
To make this dish ahead of time, follow the recipe as written, but stop before adding the final step of cooking in the oven. Instead, let the pot cool down completely and then cover it tightly with foil or a lid and store it in the refrigerator.
When you are ready to serve, simply pop it back into the oven (covered) at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
But what if you have leftovers? Don’t worry, this chicken and rice recipe is excellent when reheated. Store leftover chicken and rice together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.
To reheat leftovers from frozen, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in either the microwave or oven according to the instructions above.
Just remember that when reheating chicken, always make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Now you’re set! You can make this delicious pot chicken rice ahead of your event without fears on it losing flavor and texture when reheated.
Tips for Perfect Results
Honey, this pot chicken rice recipe is straightforward and simple, but if you want the perfect outcome, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some of my pro tips that will take your meal to the next level.
First things first, make sure that you season your chicken with fresh ground black pepper and salt. Whether you use chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-size pieces or one whole chicken, seasoning will help to bring out the flavor of your chicken.
When cooking with long-grain white rice, stick to the ratio of two cups of chicken broth for every one cup of rice. This measurement makes a big difference because cooking rice in too much liquid can leave it mushy or undercooked.
To add more flavor to your dish, sauté diced carrot, celery, and yellow onion before adding the rice. These vegetables give your dish a balance of flavors and nutrition.
One-pot chicken rice casserole recipe is all about shortcutting so don’t hesitate to use instant pots for a quicker cook time. You only need 20-22 minutes on high pressure to have that perfectly cooked and creamy chicken and rice blend though you’ll need about 10-15 minutes prep time before starting up the cooker.
If you prefer baking your chicken rather than using an instant pot for a baked chicken rack instead of stovetop cooking. To lock in the juices, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit while seasoned boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces roasting for10-12 minutes.
Lastly, if you’re a wild rice lover like me, try substituting on half cup of long-grain white rice with wild rice for that nutty flavor. Don’t go overboard as including too much wild rice may result in an undercooked meal.
So there you have it folks! Applying these tips will ensure that your one-pot creamy chicken and rice soup or honey-baked cheese-free chicken wild rice casserole turns out remarkable at any party where food is the main course!
Bottom Line
:
After reading this recipe article, it’s easy to see that chicken and rice is a tried-and-true combination that never goes out of style. With endless variations and possibilities, this dish can be adapted to fit any occasion or taste preference.
So why not give it a try? With easy-to-follow instructions, helpful tips and substitutions, and advice on make-ahead options, there’s no reason not to whip up a pot of chicken and rice tonight.
Whether you prefer a classic one-pot meal or a creamy casserole, there’s a recipe here for you. So grab some fresh ingredients, your favorite cooking vessel, and get started! Trust me, you’ll love the savory aromas filling your home and the delicious flavors on your plate.
Don’t forget to experiment with your own twist on the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding in new flavors. Remember that cooking is all about creativity and personalization, so let your inner chef shine!
In conclusion, this chicken and rice recipe is not only quick and easy but also versatile and delicious. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills.
Chicken With Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 (3 lb) chicken, cut into serving pieces
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup peeled diced carrot
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Melt the butter in a large heavy skillet over med-high heat and cook chicken for about 4 minutes on each side, or until browned.
- Transfer the chicken to a pie plate or bowl.
- Decrease heat to medium and sauté onion, celery, and carrots until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the rice and stir to coat in the butter.
- Add the chicken broth; return the chicken and any juices to the pan.
- Add the salt and pepper.
- Let the chicken come to a boil over med-high heat; cover with an oven-proof lid or foil and cook in the oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Your Own Notes
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!