If you’re craving something creamy, hearty, and simple to clean up, this creamy one-pot chicken and rice recipe checks every box. It brings together tender chicken and fluffy rice in a velvety cheese-based sauce, made rich with mascarpone and a touch of Parmesan. Even better, everything cooks together in one skillet, keeping prep and dishes to a minimum. It’s a reliable dinner option for hectic evenings or casual weekend cooking.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is incredibly practical without sacrificing flavor. First, it’s made in just one pot, saving you time and energy on cleanup. Second, it’s layered with deep, satisfying taste, thanks to the creamy cheeses and savory broth. And third, it comes together in only 30 minutes, offering a complete meal that’s filling, warm, and comforting. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking solo, this one-pot meal is bound to become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken Fillets: Use four small, boneless fillets. If you’re using large chicken breasts, slice them to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
Salt and Pepper: Divided and used in different stages for balanced seasoning throughout the dish.
Sweet Paprika: Adds mild warmth and enhances the chicken’s color and depth of flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Helps the chicken brown nicely and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
Olive Oil: Works alongside butter to keep the chicken from sticking and adds a layer of savory flavor.
Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh for a sharp, aromatic kick that brightens the dish.
Yellow Onion: Diced finely, the onion softens into the background and builds flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs that rounds out the dish with subtle earthiness.
Basmati Rice: A fragrant long-grain rice that stays fluffy and absorbs the broth well without clumping.
Chicken Broth: The liquid base that flavors the rice and helps form the creamy sauce.
Mascarpone: This soft cheese melts easily and creates a luxuriously smooth texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh for best results, it brings a bold, nutty finish.
Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley adds brightness and a pop of color right before serving.
How to Make Creamy One-Pot Chicken and Rice
This dish begins by searing the chicken fillets until they’re golden and cooked through. After removing the chicken, the same pan is used to sauté garlic and onions, releasing a rich aroma. The rice is then added and briefly toasted before chicken broth is poured in to simmer. Mascarpone and Parmesan are stirred in to create a creamy, cohesive texture. Finally, the chicken is placed back into the pan to warm up and soak in the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Rub the chicken fillets with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and paprika. Set aside to allow the seasoning to settle.
2. Prep the Aromatics
Mince the garlic, dice the onion, and chop the fresh parsley so you have everything ready to go when cooking begins.
3. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the chicken fillets and cook for 5 to 8 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and cover lightly to keep warm.
4. Sauté the Garlic and Onion
Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the same skillet. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
5. Add Rice and Seasonings
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with the remaining salt and pepper. Add the basmati rice and stir for about 1 minute to lightly toast the grains.
6. Pour in the Broth
Add the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth if needed.
7. Mix in the Cheese
Once the rice is nearly done, stir in the mascarpone until fully melted. Then add the Parmesan cheese and stir again to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
8. Return the Chicken to the Pan
Nestle the cooked chicken fillets into the creamy rice. Let everything cook together for another 3 minutes so the chicken heats through and picks up flavor from the sauce.
9. Garnish and Serve
Finish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and cracked black pepper. Serve warm, scooping generous portions of rice with each piece of chicken.
Helpful Tips
To avoid overcooked or mushy rice, use long-grain varieties like basmati, and simmer gently while keeping an eye on liquid levels. Stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking at the bottom of the pan. If you find the rice too thick after reheating, just add a splash of broth to bring back the creamy texture.
Details
Flavor: Creamy, savory, and balanced with a hint of herbs and sharp cheese.
Texture: Silky rice with tender chicken and a cohesive, melt-in-your-mouth sauce.
Occasion: Ideal for weeknight dinners or easy comfort food cravings.
Prep/Cook Time: 5 minutes prep, 25 minutes cooking, ready in 30 minutes total.
Notes
You can easily make this recipe your own by swapping ingredients. If mascarpone isn’t available, try cream cheese or a mix of heavy cream and soft cheese. For more heat, stir in a bit of chili powder or red pepper flakes. You can even try jasmine rice for a slightly different texture and aroma.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 458 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 41 g |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 1851 mg |
| Cholesterol | 67 mg |
| Potassium | 123 mg |
| Calcium | 111 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
| Vitamin A | 1131 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can chicken and rice really be cooked together in one pot?
Absolutely. When done right, cooking both in one pot lets the rice soak up the flavors of the chicken while keeping cleanup easy.
What rice is best for this type of dish?
Long-grain rice like basmati works well. It stays fluffy and absorbs broth evenly without turning sticky.
How do you avoid mushy rice in one-pot meals?
The key is to use the right rice variety, simmer at the right temperature, and stir gently during cooking. Also, avoid overcooking once the liquid is absorbed.
Should I cook the chicken separately before adding the rice?
Yes. Browning the chicken first not only ensures it’s properly cooked but also builds a flavorful base in the pan for the rice to absorb.
Storage Instructions
Let the dish cool before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, do so over low heat and add a little broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency. Freezing isn’t recommended as the cheese-based sauce may separate when thawed.
Print
Creamy One-Pot Chicken and Rice | Easy, Comforting Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A one-pan dish featuring juicy chicken fillets and creamy rice enriched with mascarpone and Parmesan. Comforting, quick, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
4 small chicken fillets
2 tsp salt (divided)
2 tsp black pepper (divided)
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 small yellow onion (diced)
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 cup basmati rice
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup mascarpone
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Season chicken with paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp pepper.
2. Mince garlic, dice onion, and chop parsley.
3. In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil. Sear chicken 5–8 minutes per side, then remove.
4. Sauté garlic and onion for 2 minutes.
5. Add Italian seasoning and remaining salt and pepper. Stir in rice and toast 1 minute.
6. Pour in broth and bring to boil. Simmer 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in mascarpone until smooth, then mix in Parmesan.
8. Return chicken to pan. Simmer 3 minutes to warm through.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Substitute cream cheese if mascarpone isn’t available. For extra spice, add red pepper flakes. Jasmine rice can be used as an alternative to basmati.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 458
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 1851
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0.1
- Carbohydrates: 41
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 67
Conclusion
This creamy one-pot chicken and rice recipe is a comforting, quick, and satisfying solution for any night of the week. It’s rich, flavorful, and made in just one pan. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this dish is sure to become a reliable favorite. Try it once and you’ll be making it again and again.