This Chicken Spinach Rice is a creamy, one-pot dish that combines juicy chicken, tender rice, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan garlic sauce. It’s the kind of comforting, satisfying meal that feels fancy but comes together quickly on the stovetop. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Customization Table for Chicken Rice Recipe
| Customization | Option | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Shrimp, tofu, or mushrooms | Lighter or vegetarian versions |
| Greens | Kale, arugula, or baby spinach | Different textures and flavors |
| Cheese | Asiago, Gruyère, or Pecorino Romano | Bolder, sharper flavors |
| Liquid | Vegetable broth or coconut milk | Dairy-free or vegan option |
| Grains | Quinoa or orzo | Different textures and nutritional profiles |
How to Make Chicken Spinach Rice
Sauté the Base: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onions until soft, then add the garlic for a quick burst of flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces, sear until golden, then pour in a splash of white wine or broth to deglaze and capture all those rich flavors.
Add the Rice and Broth: Stir in the rice and pour over the chicken broth. Cover, reduce the heat, and let it simmer until the rice is tender and has soaked up all the broth.
Make It Creamy: Lower the heat, stir in the cream and freshly grated Parmesan until it melts into a silky sauce. Add the spinach and let it wilt.
Liquid to Rice Ratio
| Rice Type | Liquid Needed | Cooking Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Rice | 2 cups liquid per 1 cup rice | 15-20 minutes | Use chicken broth for richer flavor. Add ½ cup extra for creamier dishes. |
| Brown Rice | 2.5-3 cups liquid per 1 cup rice | 40-45 minutes | Requires more liquid and longer cooking time. Check package for exact timing. |
| Basmati Rice | 1.75 cups liquid per 1 cup rice | 15-20 minutes | Light, fluffy texture. Rinse before cooking for the best results. |
| Jasmine Rice | 2 cups liquid per 1 cup rice | 12-15 minutes | Fragrant and slightly sticky. Rinse to remove excess starch. |
| Wild Rice | 3-4 cups liquid per 1 cup rice | 45-60 minutes | Nutty and firm texture. Use broth for added flavor. |
| Minute Rice | 1 cup liquid per 1 cup rice | 5-7 minutes | Not recommended for this recipe – can become mushy. |
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.
One-Pot Rice Dishes for Quick, Flavorful Dinners
- Chicken and Rice with Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
- Oven Baked Chicken and Rice Recipe
Chicken Spinach Rice
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast diced
- salt and pepper as needed
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ⅓ cup dry white wine
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked white long grain rice
- ½ cup half and half
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 2 ½ cups spinach roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Rice Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Sauté onions for 4 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Increase heat to medium-high, add chicken and remaining butter. Sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on one side, then toss and sear for another 3 minutes.
- Add the wine, simmer for 3 minutes, scraping up browned bits for flavor.
- Add the rice seasonings and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, stir in the rice, cover tightly, and reduce to a gentle simmer for 15 minutes. If liquid remains, cook for an extra 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in the half-and-half and Parmesan. Add the spinach, cook for 3 minutes until wilted. Stir in the lemon juice and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
All rights reserved. CHEF JAR. All images and content are copyright protected. PLEASE do not use my images without my permission. If you want to share this recipe, PLEASE provide a link back to this post.
Louise says
The creamy all in one pot chicken spinach rice dish sounds delicious and simple to make. I love the fact that all your recipes that I have checked out have garlic in them. It's good for blood pressure and adds plenty of flavor.
Tatiana says
Hi Louise! Garlic really does add that perfect punch of flavor, and it’s a nice bonus that it’s so good for you. I hope you get a chance to try it – let me know how it turns out! 😊
Sarah says
This is my new favorite one-pot meal. So easy and full of flavor. The chicken was tender, and the spinach added a nice freshness. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Tatiana says
Thanks, Sarah! One-pot meals really do make life easier, and I’m glad you enjoyed this one. Hope it makes many more busy nights a bit easier! 💚