One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Spinach Rice – Easy Comfort Food
One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Spinach Rice is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This creamy and flavorful meal combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and hearty rice all cooked in one pot. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also saves you time on cleanup.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice because it’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. It’s a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out. Plus, cooking everything in one pot means less mess and more time to enjoy your food with family and friends.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Spinach Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and sauté until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft.
- Stir in the rice, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, add the chicken back into the pot. Then, stir in the chopped spinach and cream.
- Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes, stirring gently until the spinach wilts.
- Finally, add the grated Parmesan and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Spinach Rice
This dish is best served warm right from the pot. You can serve it in bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if you like. It pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
How to Store One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Spinach Rice
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Spinach Rice
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onion.
- If you like your rice a bit creamier, feel free to add more cream or broth as needed.
- Make sure to stir gently when adding the spinach to avoid breaking up the rice.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or keep it vegetarian by omitting any meat and adding more vegetables.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and increase the amount of broth.
2. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese.
3. Can I freeze One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Spinach Rice?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months.
Enjoy this simple and delightful recipe for One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Spinach Rice—it’s sure to become a household favorite!
