A Cozy Kitchen Memory
I first made this dish for my husband, Arthur, years ago. We had just moved into our little house. The kitchen was so small. I wanted to make something special that felt like a hug.
He took one bite and his whole face lit up. I still smile thinking about it. This recipe has been a favorite ever since. It turns a simple Tuesday into something sweet.
Why This Dish Matters
This meal is more than just food. It is about taking care of people. Cooking for someone is a quiet way to say I love you.
It also teaches you a great lesson. One pot can make a whole, wonderful dinner. That matters on busy nights. Less washing up means more time for stories.
Let’s Get Cooking Together
Start by tossing your chicken with all those spices. Your hands will smell amazing. This is where the flavor begins.
Brown the chicken in the pan. You want it golden and happy. The sizzle is the best sound. What is your favorite kitchen sound? Mine is that sizzle.
The Magic in the Pan
After the chicken, we cook the onion and garlic. Doesn’t that smell like home? Then come the sun-dried tomatoes. They are little flavor bombs.
Fun fact: Sun-dried tomatoes are just regular tomatoes that sat in the sun. The sun makes them taste so much stronger and sweeter. Isn’t that clever?
Bringing It All Home
Now, the rice and broth go in. It will bubble and steam. Let it cook until the rice is tender. This is the part where you must be patient.
Finally, stir in the creamy goodness and cheese. Watch it all melt together. It becomes so rich and cozy. What is your favorite cheesy dish? Tell me about it.
Your Turn to Share
And there you have it. A romantic dinner made in one pan. I hope you make it for someone you adore. Or just make it for yourself. You deserve a treat, too.
If you try it, let me know. Did you add the red pepper for a little kick? I would love to hear how it turned out in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes | 1 ½ pounds | |
| paprika | 1 teaspoon | |
| onion powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| crushed red pepper | ½ teaspoon | optional |
| kosher salt | ½ teaspoon | |
| black pepper | ½ teaspoon | |
| extra virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| unsalted butter | 1 tablespoon | |
| yellow onion, diced | 1 small | |
| minced garlic | 1 tablespoon | |
| sun-dried tomatoes | ⅓ cup (6-7 whole) | soaked in hot water, chopped |
| uncooked long-grain white rice | 1 cup (185 g) | rinsed |
| chicken broth | 3 ¼ cups (26 ounces / 780 g) | |
| heavy cream | ½ cup (119 g) | |
| Monterey Jack cheese, shredded | 1 cup (113 g) | |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ⅓ cup (33 g) | |
| fresh parsley, chopped | for garnish |
A Cozy Pot of Love
This chicken and rice dish always reminds me of my grandson, Leo. He calls it “the cozy dinner.” It’s warm and creamy, like a hug for your tummy. The smell fills the whole house with goodness. I love how simple it is to make. You just need one big pan for almost everything. Doesn’t that make cleanup easier? Let’s get our hands busy.
- Step 1: First, let’s get our chicken ready. Put the cubes in a bowl. Sprinkle on all those lovely spices. The paprika makes it such a pretty color. Give it a good toss with your hands. I still laugh at how Leo would wiggle his fingers to mix it.
- Step 2: Now, heat the oil and butter in your big skillet. Listen for that gentle sizzle when you add the chicken. Cook it until it’s golden brown on all sides. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t crowd the pan, or it will steam instead of brown!). Then move the chicken to a plate to rest.
- Step 3: In that same pan, we’ll cook the onion. It goes in next. Cook it until it’s soft and sweet. Can you smell that wonderful aroma? Then stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. This only takes one minute. You’ll know it’s ready.
- Step 4: Time for the rice and broth. Pour them right in and give it a stir. Bring it to a little boil, then turn the heat down low. Cover it and let it simmer. The rice will drink up all that tasty liquid. It takes about 20 minutes. What’s your favorite part of cooking rice? Share below!
- Step 5: This is the magic step! Stir in the cream and all that cheese. Watch how it gets all creamy and dreamy. Add the chicken back in. Mix it all together until it’s one happy family. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of green. Doesn’t that look amazing?
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Make It Your Own
This recipe is like a favorite story. You can tell it a little differently each time. Here are some fun twists I’ve tried. They always make dinner feel new and exciting.
- Mushroom Lover’s Twist: Swap the chicken for sliced mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead. It becomes a rich, earthy feast.
- Spicy Fiesta Twist: Add a chopped jalapeño with the onions. Use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick. It will warm you right up.
- Summer Garden Twist: Stir in a big handful of fresh spinach at the very end. Add some chopped artichoke hearts too. It tastes like sunshine.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
The Perfect Plate
Now, let’s talk about serving this cozy dinner. I love to scoop it into a shallow bowl. It just feels right that way. A simple green salad on the side is perfect. The crisp lettuce is a nice change from the creamy rice. Some warm, crusty bread is wonderful too. You can wipe the bowl clean with it.
For a drink, a cold glass of apple cider is lovely. It’s sweet and tangy. For the grown-ups, a glass of Chardonnay pairs beautifully. It’s crisp and cuts through the richness. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Cozy Dinner Cozy Later
This chicken and rice makes wonderful leftovers. Let it cool completely first. Then pop it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay happy for about three days.
You can also freeze it for a future busy night. I use a freezer-safe container. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight when you are ready. This is a lifesaver on days I do not feel like cooking.
Reheating is simple. Add a splash of broth or water to a pot. Warm it over medium-low heat, stirring often. This keeps the rice from drying out. I once forgot the extra liquid and my rice got too sticky.
Batch cooking this meal saves so much time. Making a double batch means a future dinner is already done. This matters because it gives you a quiet moment on a hectic day. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for a Smoother Supper
Is your rice still a bit hard? The liquid might have cooked off too fast. Just add another quarter cup of broth. Let it simmer for five more minutes with the lid on.
Do not overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken. I remember when I tried to cook it all at once. The chicken steamed instead of getting a nice brown color. Cooking in two batches works much better.
If your sauce seems too thin, let it rest. Turn off the heat and leave the lid on for ten minutes. The rice will soak up the extra liquid. Getting the texture right matters for that perfect creamy bite. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Solving these little issues builds your cooking confidence. You learn that most mistakes are easy to fix. This matters because cooking should feel fun, not frustrating.
Your Questions, My Answers
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Just make sure your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally safe.
Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Assemble the whole dish and refrigerate it. Bake at 350°F until warm and bubbly when you are ready.
Q: What cheese can I swap? A: Mozzarella or a mild cheddar work beautifully. Use what you have in your fridge.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: You can! Use a very large pot or two skillets. All the cooking times will stay the same.
Q: Is the red pepper important? A: It just adds a little warmth. Leave it out if you prefer a totally mild dish. Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope this recipe finds its way to your family table. It is a hug in a bowl. I love hearing when you make my recipes.
It would make my whole week to see your creation. Share a picture of your finished dish. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at TheCozyHearth.
*Fun fact: Sun-dried tomatoes are just regular tomatoes that lost most of their water in the sun!*
Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn.
Romantic Chicken and Rice Dinner
Description
A creamy, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice in a rich, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, season the chicken with paprika, onion powder, crushed red pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until browned and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- To the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the rice and chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 17–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Monterey Jack cheese, parmesan, and the cooked chicken, mixing until the cheese is melted and fully combined.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use low-fat cheese.