There’s risotto—the glamorous, high-maintenance cousin who demands your full attention—and then there’s this Creamy One-Pot Chicken & Rice, which gives you all the soothing, spoonable goodness without needing you to stand over the stove like a tired game show contestant for 25 minutes straight.🍗🍚
It’s humble. It’s hearty. And it’s exactly what your brain wants after a long day of being an adult.
Why This Recipe Is a Cold Night Hero
- 🥄 Creamy comfort without the faff
- 🥘 One pot, zero hassle, minimal clean-up
- ⏱️ Simmer-and-walk-away vibes (go ahead and change into your trackies mid-cook)
- 💸 Cheap and cheerful, made from things already lurking in your fridge
- 🔁 Reheats like a dream—even better tomorrow
Ingredients (Serves 1 hungry human or 1 future-you if you save half)
- 1 chicken thigh, diced (thigh = juicy and forgiving, just like you after 5pm)
- ¼ cup rice (white, basmati, jasmine—dealer’s choice)
- ¼ onion, diced
- ½ cup stock (chicken or veg)
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
👉 No fresh stock? A bit of water + a crumbled stock cube will do just fine. We’re not running a restaurant here.
Method
- Heat a splash of olive oil in your smallest saucepan or non-stick pot. Add the chicken and onion and cook until the chicken is lightly browned and the onion is softened. No need for golden perfection—this isn’t MasterChef.
- Add the rice and stock, give it a little stir, then pop a lid on.
- Simmer on low for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid mostly absorbed. Feel free to peek once or twice and give it a stir if you’re nervous.
- Stir in the milk or cream and cook for 2 more minutes until it’s creamy and warm and irresistible. Season with salt and pepper. Maybe sprinkle a little grated cheese on top if you’re living wild.
Add-Ons If You’re Feeling Extra
Want to jazz it up without doing more dishes? Respect.
- 🍄 Mushrooms—sauté with the onion for earthy richness
- 🌿 Spinach—stir in fresh or frozen right at the end
- 🧀 Parmesan or tasty cheese for extra indulgence
- 🌶️ A pinch of paprika, cumin, or curry powder to change the mood
- 🧄 Garlic—because when is garlic ever a bad idea?
Storage & Leftover Bragging Rights
This dish reheats beautifully in the microwave, making it perfect for meal-prepping or your “couldn’t be bothered” future self.
Tip: Add a splash of water or milk before reheating to keep it creamy, not claggy.
More Creamy, Cozy Weeknight Wonders
If this one’s become your new winter BFF, you’ll also want to try:
- Creamy Mushroom Soup – earthy, easy, and dunkable
- Quick Mac & Cheese – for those “need cheese now” moments
- One-Pan Cheesy Bolognese Pasta – pasta + sauce + cheese = obvious win
You Deserve a Bowl of This
Whether you’re recovering from a Monday, a cold, or a life admin spiral, this Creamy One-Pot Chicken & Rice has your back. No stirring marathons, no judgment. Just spoonable joy.
Tried it? Tweaked it? Tell us your version in the comments! And don’t forget to subscribe, share with a mate, or bookmark for the next time you think you’ve “got nothing in the fridge.”
Plan4One: Because your dinner should love you back.
