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Creamy chicken and rice served in a Dutch oven, garnished with parsley

Creamy Chicken and Rice

Emily Wilson
This creamy chicken and rice is a one-pot family favorite that blends comfort with flexibility. It's easy to make, reheats well, and adapts for both healthy eating and indulgent comfort.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 10 bowls
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef's Knife

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 2 large carrots grated or cut into matchsticks
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 bay leaves optional
  • 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth hot
  • 2 cups medium grain or jasmine rice unrinsed
  • 1 head garlic whole, unpeeled, root end intact
  • 1/3 cup Italian parsley chopped
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese shredded, plus more for serving

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Sauté until soft and golden, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Add chicken pieces, remaining salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is lightly browned.
  • Add hot chicken broth and stir in rice. Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves, then nestle it cut side down in the center of the pot.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is cooked through.
  • Remove the garlic head. Stir in remaining butter, parsley, and parmesan until creamy and well combined. Serve warm.

Notes

To make this recipe dairy-free, skip the parmesan and substitute plant-based butter. Brown rice can be used instead of jasmine rice but requires a longer cooking time, approximately 45 minutes. Add vegetables like spinach or peas for a nutritional boost.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 385
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Potassium: 410 mg
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Vitamin A: 6000 IU
  • Vitamin C: 6 mg
  • Calcium: 120 mg
  • Iron: 2 mg
Keyword Comfort Meal Recipes, Creamy Chicken and Rice, Easy Dinner Recipes, Healthy Meal Ideas