Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tbsp olive oil; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday Collection

I absolutely love making this Creamy One Pot Chicken and Rice, especially on busy weeknights when I crave comfort food but don't have much time to cook. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich, creamy sauce never fails to impress my family. It's a one-pot wonder that simplifies cleanup and maximizes flavor. In just 30 minutes, I can serve a delicious meal that warms the heart and satisfies the soul, making it an ideal choice for any day of the week.

Created by

Lottie Pennington

Last updated on 2026-02-02T00:01:36.526Z

When I first tried this creamy chicken and rice recipe, I was surprised by how easy it was to prepare. I love that everything cooks in one pot, which means easier clean-up and more time for enjoying the meal. The secret to the creamy texture lies in using a mix of chicken broth and cream, which melds beautifully with the rice. I always choose a good quality chicken for the juiciest results.

As I experimented with this dish, I discovered that adding a few fresh herbs at the end really elevates the flavor. Whether it's parsley or thyme, these herbs add brightness that pairs perfectly with the rich creaminess. This dish has quickly become a family favorite, and I know it's going to be a hit in your home as well!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, creamy sauce that coats the chicken and rice
All cooked in one pot for easy cleanup
Quick preparation in just 30 minutes
Comfort food at its best, perfect for busy evenings

      

The Importance of Ingredients

The success of this Creamy One Pot Chicken and Rice relies heavily on the quality of your ingredients. Using bone-in skinless chicken thighs not only enhances flavor but also adds moisture during cooking. For the rice, long-grain varieties ensure that each grain remains separate, yielding that perfect creamy texture without clumping. Selecting a good quality chicken broth is also crucial, as its flavor permeates throughout the dish, enhancing the overall taste.

Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness that balances the richness of the cream. Fresh peas can be used, but they require a slightly different cooking time, so be sure to adjust accordingly. Lastly, using heavy cream creates a velvety sauce that clings to the chicken and rice, while alternative options like half-and-half will yield a lighter sauce but may sacrifice creaminess.

Techniques for Perfection

Searing the chicken thoroughly is vital for developing a rich flavor base. Aim for a golden-brown crust, which can take around 5-7 minutes per side. This Maillard reaction enhances the dish's depth, so resist the urge to rush this step. If your chicken releases too much liquid, ensure you're using medium-high heat; this will allow the surface to caramelize rather than steam.

When sautéing the onions and garlic, keep a close eye to prevent burning. They should turn translucent but not brown; this creates a sweet, aromatic foundation that complements the dish's creaminess. Stir regularly and consider adding a splash of broth if they begin to stick, allowing for a little bit of steam to aid in perfect cooking without scorching.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This recipe is an excellent meal prep option; you can cook a larger batch and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. To store, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. If you want to freeze it, I recommend freezing the chicken and rice separately to maintain texture. This prevents the rice from becoming mushy during thawing and reheating.

Reheating is straightforward; just add a splash of chicken broth or cream to retain the sauce's velvety consistency and heat gently on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, which should take about 5-10 minutes. For an extra touch, consider topping it with freshly grated cheese or extra peas to reinvigorate the dish before serving.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients you'll need for this delightful one-pot meal:

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious creamy chicken and rice:

Sear the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the chicken to the pot and sear until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Combine Rice and Broth

Add the rice to the pot, stirring to coat with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and return the chicken thighs to the pot. Bring to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.

Add Cream and Peas

Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy chicken and rice!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, you can add some grated Parmesan cheese while stirring in the cream.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy dish with a light side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the chicken and rice. The freshness will cut through the creamy texture, creating a delightful contrast. Additionally, serving it with crusty bread helps soak up any remaining sauce, making it even more fulfilling.

For added flavor, consider garnishing with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving. This brightens the dish and adds a fresh element that complements the heavy cream beautifully. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can also elevate the flavor profile.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables. Carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added during the sauté stage for additional texture and taste. If you want to spice it up, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce during the cooking process for a kick.

For an even creamier version, you can stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a handful of grated cheese (like cheddar or parmesan) along with the heavy cream. This not only enhances flavor but also gives the dish a thicker texture, making it feel even more indulgent.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your rice comes out undercooked or too chewy, it may be due to too high a heat during simmering or not enough liquid. Ensure that you’re simmering on low heat with the pot covered, which allows for even cooking and proper absorption of broth. If you find it necessary, add a splash of broth and continue cooking until the rice is tender.

In case you find the dish too thick after cooking, simply stir in a bit of chicken broth or cream just before serving. This will bring back the creamy sauce consistency. Conversely, if it’s too soupy, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to evaporate some liquid while stirring frequently.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may need a slightly shorter cooking time.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can include bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

→ Can this dish be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water to loosen it up.

→ Is there a way to make it dairy-free?

Yes, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.