Why This Recipe Is Ideal for Solo Living
Living alone means you want meals that are:
- Simple to prepare
- Require minimal ingredients
- Don’t leave a sink full of dirty dishes
- Reheat well for another meal or two
This creamy chicken and rice dish checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, balanced, and uses one pan from start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses accessible ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 150g (1 cup) chicken breast, diced
- 100g (1/2 cup) uncooked white rice
- 400ml (1 2/3 cups) chicken broth
- 100ml (1/2 cup) milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese or grated cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: parsley or green onions for garnish
Where to buy: You can get high-quality chicken broth and cooking cream from Thrive Market, a great source for natural pantry items.
Step-by-Step: How to Make One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a medium non-stick pan. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking over medium heat until soft and fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken
Add the diced chicken to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden on the outside, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Add the Rice and Broth
Stir in the uncooked rice and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Make It Creamy
Uncover the pan, stir in the milk or cream, and add the cream cheese or grated cheese. Cook for another 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and creamy.
5. Garnish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.
Why It Works
This recipe is designed with solo cooks in mind:
- One pan only means faster cooking and fewer dishes.
- Balanced nutrition: carbs, protein, and fats in a single dish.
- Easily adjustable: swap ingredients based on dietary preferences.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
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