Jump to Recipe Print RecipeIn a cozy corner of my kitchen, the aroma of sizzling garlic and tender chicken fills the air, whisking me away to cherished family dinners. Yes, this is my One-Pot Creamy Gluten-Free Chicken & Rice—a recipe that never fails to bring smiles to the table. It’s a comforting dish where juicy, flavorful chicken meets savory rice and sweet carrots, all simmered together for maximum ease and deliciousness. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making weeknight meals a breeze without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, ensuring everyone can savor every forkful without worry. Ready to create a creamy and mouthwatering dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why is One-Pot Chicken & Rice a Must-Try? Simplicity at its finest: This recipe only requires one pot, making cleanup a breeze—perfect for busy weeknights! Hearty, wholesome goodness: Featuring juicy chicken, savory rice, and sweet carrots, each bite is bursting with flavors that comfort the soul. Versatile ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or substitute with coconut milk for a unique twist! Time-Saving convenience: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the ideal solution for last-minute dinners. Crowd-Pleasing delight: It’s a meal the whole family will love; serve it alongside a simple green salad for a complete experience! You might also enjoy recipes like Chicken Broccoli Savory or Bbq Chicken Mac for more flavor-packed options! One-Pot Chicken & Rice Ingredients For the Chicken • Chicken thighs or breasts – Use boneless and skinless for a tender and juicy result. For the Rice Base • Long-grain white rice – This absorbs flavors beautifully; substitute with brown rice requiring longer cooking time. For the Vegetables • Carrots – Adds natural sweetness; can be swapped for peas or spinach if you prefer. • Onion – Use yellow or sweet onions for a mild sweetness; shallots are a great fine alternative. • Garlic – Enhances the flavor; fresh cloves are best, but minced works too. For Cooking Liquid • Chicken broth – Essential for cooking the rice; ensure it’s gluten-free or make your own. • Almond milk (or other dairy/non-dairy) – Adds creaminess at the end; unsweetened is ideal! For Sautéing • Olive oil – Perfect for sautéing the chicken; you can use avocado oil or butter for a richer taste. For Seasoning • Thyme – A fragrant herb that elevates the dish—fresh or dried works beautifully. • Salt & Pepper – Adjust according to your taste preferences; essential for flavor. For Garnish • Parsley – Adds freshness and color; feel free to substitute with chives or leave out if desired. This One-Pot Chicken & Rice is sure to become a staple in your home cooking—comfort food at its finest! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for One-Pot Chicken & Rice Step 1: Sauté Chicken Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add 1 pound of diced chicken thighs or breasts, spreading them out evenly. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown on the outside, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Step 2: Add Aromatics Next, stir in one chopped yellow onion, cooking it for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent. Then, add minced garlic (about 3 cloves) and continue to sauté for another 30 seconds, allowing the fragrant aroma to fill your kitchen. This step enhances the foundation of flavor in your One-Pot Chicken & Rice. Step 3: Combine Ingredients Now, it’s time to build the dish! Add 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice, followed by 1 cup of sliced carrots, 4 cups of gluten-free chicken broth, a teaspoon of dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the rice is evenly distributed in the broth for a deliciously unified flavor. Step 4: Simmer Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer gently for 18-20 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb all the savory goodness from the chicken and broth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check that the liquid is mostly absorbed, leaving the rice tender and fluffy. Step 5: Finish with Creaminess Once the rice is cooked, stir in 1/2 cup of almond milk for that creamy texture, along with a handful of freshly chopped parsley for brightness. Let it simmer uncovered for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, making your One-Pot Chicken & Rice richer and delectable. Step 6: Serve Finally, ladle the creamy chicken and rice mixture into bowls, garnishing with extra parsley if desired. For an added touch, you may drizzle lemon juice or sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. This hearty and comforting dish is ready to be enjoyed, making it a perfect centerpiece for any family dinner! How to Store and Freeze One-Pot Chicken & Rice Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, ensuring they are completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, allowing some space for expansion. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or almond milk to restore the creamy texture. Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the One-Pot Chicken & Rice out for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage. Always refrigerate or freeze promptly after serving. One-Pot Chicken & Rice Variations Feel free to elevate your One-Pot Chicken & Rice with these fun and tasty twists that will spark your creativity in the kitchen! Coconut Creamy: Substitute almond milk with coconut milk for a tropical flair. This swap brings a delightful richness that complements the dish beautifully. Veggie-Packed: Swap in colorful veggies such as bell peppers, peas, or spinach. Adding extra vegetables not only enhances flavor but also boosts nutrients, making each bite vibrant! Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh rosemary or basil while it simmers. These fragrant herbs elevate the dish, offering a delightful complexity that warms the soul. Spicy Kick: Kick up the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to your pot. This fiery addition can add boldness to the comforting flavors you love. Zesty Citrus: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. The citrus note will brighten the dish, making it pop with freshness and liveliness. Cheesy Goodness: Stir in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella at the end for a creamy, cheesy topping. It creates an indulgent texture that’s utterly irresistible! You might also enjoy trying this with Chicken Broccoli Sizzling for another exciting one-pot experience or perhaps a comforting dish like Butter Chicken Comfort that the whole family will adore! Make Ahead Options These One-Pot Chicken & Rice meals are perfect for busy cooks looking to simplify mealtime! You can chop your onions, slice the carrots, and even season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store each component in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can pre-measure the rice and broth mixture and keep them separately. When ready to cook, simply combine everything as directed and let it simmer. This way, you save precious time during weeknight dinners While the dish will taste just as delicious, remember to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking, ensuring a wonderfully creamy final result! Expert Tips for One-Pot Chicken & Rice Stir Regularly: To prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, stir the mixture occasionally during the simmering process. Adjust Creaminess: For a richer texture, feel free to increase the amount of almond milk. Just be mindful of the overall balance of flavors. Cook Time for Brown Rice: If using brown rice, extend the simmer time to 35-40 minutes and increase the broth to achieve optimal tenderness. Fresh Herbs Matter: Adding fresh parsley or other herbs at the end brightens the dish beautifully; don’t skip this step for flavor enhancement. Complete the Meal: Pair your One-Pot Chicken & Rice with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dining experience. What to Serve with One-Pot Creamy Gluten-Free Chicken & Rice A symphony of flavors and textures awaits when you complete your meal with these delightful additions. Simple Green Salad: A light salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that balances the creamy chicken and rice perfectly. Steamed Broccoli: Tender yet slightly crunchy broccoli not only enhances the nutrition of your meal, but its mild flavor complements the savory elements beautifully. Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy goodness, making each bite feel even more indulgent. Roasted Asparagus: The earthy flavors from roasted asparagus bring a gorgeous pop of color and a lovely roasted aroma that ties everything together. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: These deliciously caramelized sprouts add contrasting textures and a hint of smokiness, elevating your one-pot meal experience. Lemon Water: A refreshing glass of lemon-infused water cleanses the palate and brightens the overall meal, making every bite feel light and invigorating. Coconut Rice Pudding: For a sweet finish, try a warm bowl of coconut rice pudding sprinkled with cinnamon; its creaminess is a delightful way to end the meal. Serve these sides alongside your One-Pot Chicken & Rice, and watch as the comforting flavors mingle, creating a satisfying feast that will leave everyone coming back for seconds! One-Pot Chicken & Rice Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe ingredients for this recipe? Absolutely! For your One-Pot Chicken & Rice, choose bright orange carrots that are firm to the touch, avoiding any that look dull or have dark spots. When selecting chicken, look for tender, moist pieces with no discoloration, and if you’re using onions, they should be firm and dry without any soft spots. How should I store leftovers? I recommend storing any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the dish is cooled before sealing it up to keep it fresh. When ready to eat again, a quick reheating on the stovetop with a splash of broth will bring back that creamy texture. Can I freeze this dish? Absolutely, you can freeze your One-Pot Chicken & Rice for up to 2 months! To freeze, portion it into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding some broth or almond milk to recapture that creamy goodness. What should I do if the rice isn’t cooking properly? Very! If you find the rice is still tough after 20 minutes, it’s likely you need to add a little more liquid. Just add about 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water and let it simmer for another 5 minutes while stirring. Keep the pot covered—this helps to trap the steam and moisture! Is this dish suitable for those with food allergies? Indeed! The One-Pot Chicken & Rice is naturally gluten-free, perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities. If you’re mindful of dairy, using almond milk or any other non-dairy milk is a great way to keep it allergy-friendly. Always check labels on your chicken broth and other packaged ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs. One-Pot Chicken & Rice: Comfort Food Made Easy! This One-Pot Chicken & Rice is a delightful, gluten-free comfort dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breastsFor the Rice Base1 cup long-grain white rice or brown rice requiring longer cooking timeFor the Vegetables1 cup sliced carrots can be swapped for peas or spinach1 yellow onion chopped3 cloves garlic mincedFor Cooking Liquid4 cups gluten-free chicken broth1/2 cup almond milk unsweetenedFor Sautéing2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil or butterFor Seasoning1 teaspoon dried thyme or freshSalt & Pepper to tasteFor Garnish1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped Equipment large pot or deep skillet Method Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pot Chicken & RiceHeat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken and sauté until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.Stir in one chopped yellow onion, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.Add 1 cup of uncooked rice, 1 cup of sliced carrots, 4 cups of chicken broth, a teaspoon of thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly.Cover and reduce heat to low, simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice absorbs liquid.Stir in 1/2 cup of almond milk and chopped parsley. Simmer uncovered for 3-4 minutes.Ladle the mixture into bowls, garnishing with parsley. Optionally drizzle lemon juice or sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesTo avoid sticking, stir occasionally during simmering. For brown rice, extend cooking time to 35-40 minutes. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
