Description

This Mushroom Chicken and Rice dish is the ultimate comfort meal, combining tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and perfectly cooked rice in a flavorful, one-pot dish. It’s creamy, hearty, and incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even special occasions. Packed with protein and rich flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Mushrooms:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 cups sliced mushrooms (white or cremini work best)
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Salt and black pepper (to taste)

For the Rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice, with adjusted cooking time)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for creaminess)
½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
½ teaspoon paprika (for depth of flavor)

For Garnish:

2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and begin to brown.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Stir in the uncooked rice, letting it toast for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
Pour in the chicken broth, and add the thyme and paprika.
Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture.
Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes (or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed).
If using, stir in the heavy cream or milk for extra creaminess and let it simmer for 2 more minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For a healthier version: Use brown rice (increase cooking time by 10-15 minutes) and skip the heavy cream.
For extra flavor: Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon onion powder to the rice.
To make it spicy: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Storage tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 servings
Calories: 480
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 38g