Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup long grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup frozen peas; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Family Comfort Food Collection

I absolutely love making this Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice during busy weeknights. The best part is how everything comes together in one pot, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying the flavors. With tender chicken, creamy rice, and a hint of garlic, it's a comforting dish that never fails to satisfy. The richness of the creaminess combined with the savory notes creates a delightful balance, and it's an effortless way to feed the family. Don't be surprised if this becomes your go-to recipe!

Created by

Nola Patterson

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:33:34.362Z

When I first made this dish, I was skeptical. Could I really achieve that rich, restaurant-quality flavor in just one pot? But as soon as the aroma filled my kitchen, I knew I had struck gold. The combination of sautéing the chicken for that golden crust and then letting it simmer in creamy stock created a depth of flavor I didn't expect.

Now, I consistently make this recipe for family gatherings and busy weeknights. A tiny tip I've learned is to let the rice absorb the liquid without stirring too much; it allows for that perfect creamy texture. Trust me, this is a dish everyone will rave about!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy texture that envelops each grain of rice
All-in-one pot means easy cleanup and less stress
Packed with flavor from the chicken and herbs

The Importance of Cream and Broth

In this creamy chicken and rice recipe, the combination of heavy cream and chicken broth is crucial for achieving that indulgent texture. The heavy cream not only adds richness but also helps create a luxurious mouthfeel that balances perfectly with the savory chicken broth. If you're aiming for a lighter option, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based milk alternative. Just be aware that this will alter the creaminess slightly, so adjust seasoning accordingly to maintain flavor depth.

The type of chicken broth you use can dramatically affect the overall taste of the dish. Ideally, homemade broth brings an unparalleled depth of flavor, but for convenience, a good quality store-bought broth works perfectly fine. Look for low-sodium varieties to maintain control over the saltiness of your dish. If you need a quick fix, you can always use bouillon cubes or granules, just make sure to mix them with the right amount of water to achieve the desired broth consistency.

Enhancing Flavor with Aromatics

Aromatics such as onion and garlic are the foundation of flavor in this dish. Sautéing the onions until they turn translucent (about 3-4 minutes) ensures they release their natural sugars, which enhances the overall sweetness and adds a savory richness to the dish. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot as you cook – this is where a lot of flavors linger, thanks to the Maillard reaction that adds depth and complexity.

Feel free to experiment with additional herbs or spices during the aromatic stage. For instance, a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary can bring a wonderful earthy flavor that complements the chicken wonderfully. If you're feeling adventurous, even a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat that elevates the dish. Just remember to start with a small amount; you can always add more if you prefer a kick!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious and creamy dish!

Ingredients

1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These ingredients will come together to create a hearty meal that satisfies!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your one-pot meal:

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Add Rice and Liquid

Stir in the rice until well-coated. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes on low heat until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquids.

Finish with Peas

Stir in the frozen peas and let them heat through. Check seasoning and adjust if necessary.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy goodness!

Enjoy your delicious, creamy chicken and rice!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. You can also substitute chicken thighs with breast if you prefer a leaner option.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This creamy chicken and rice dish is perfect for meal prep. You can cook it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore the creaminess, as the rice may absorb some of the liquid while stored. Heat it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, to ensure it warms evenly without sticking to the pot.

If you want to make it even easier, you can also freeze the dish. Simply allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It should last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding extra liquid as needed.

Serving Suggestions

For a colorful presentation, consider serving creamy chicken and rice in bowls topped with freshly chopped parsley or even a squeeze of lemon. This not only adds a pop of color but also provides a burst of freshness that balances the rich flavors. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can complement the creaminess of the main dish beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast.

If you want to elevate this dish for a special occasion, try adding a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese or crumbled feta on top just before serving. This adds complexity and a salty bite that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce. Additionally, pairing it with crusty bread or buttery rolls will allow everyone to soak up the delicious sauce without any waste!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but note that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid.

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and simply reheat when ready to serve.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

You can include herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant boost.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.