Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece in just 40 minutes - without creating a mountain of dishes! This One Pot Creamy Chicken with Mushroom and Leek Rice is about to become your new weeknight dinner obsession. Packed with golden, tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and delicate leeks, all nestled in a luxuriously creamy rice base, this recipe promises restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to impress your family and tantalize your taste buds with a meal that's both comforting and sophisticated!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup rice
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 leek, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, slicing mushrooms thinly, and cleaning and chopping leeks into half-moon shapes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Add diced chicken to the hot pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Remove chicken from pan and set aside on a clean plate. In the same pan, add sliced mushrooms and leeks, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their moisture.
- Add rice to the pan and stir, allowing it to toast slightly for 1-2 minutes, which enhances its nutty flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine rice, mushrooms, and leeks. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Return chicken to the pan, reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook for 18-20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in heavy cream, creating a rich and creamy texture. Let simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. The dish should be creamy, with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice.
- Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, ensure your chicken is patted dry before seasoning and searing to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Toast the rice briefly before adding liquid - this simple step enhances its nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level, allowing you to season the dish precisely to your taste.
- Don't rush the cooking process; let the rice simmer gently to absorb all the delicious flavors.
- For extra richness, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream if you want a slightly lighter version.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives make an excellent garnish and add a pop of color and freshness.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
