Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice

Name: Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Simple Recipes

I absolutely love creating simple and comforting meals that don't skimp on flavor, and this Creamy One Pot Chicken and Rice is a prime example. With a blend of succulent chicken, flavorful herbs, and creamy rice, it has quickly become a weeknight favorite in our home. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze! Perfectly seasoned and creamy, this dish not only fills the belly but also warms the heart.

Created by

Wendy Ashbourne

Last updated on 2026-02-01T22:05:35.666Z

Last week, I attempted to revamp my typical chicken and rice recipe by experimenting with various spices and a creamy sauce. The results were delicious! The chicken was tender and infused with flavors, while the rice absorbed the creaminess, creating a comforting dish that everyone enjoyed. I found that browning the chicken first really elevates the overall taste, giving it that extra depth.

Another tip I discovered was to add a splash of lemon juice just before serving; it brightened the dish perfectly! The one-pot method made it so easy to prepare, and we were left with only one pan to clean afterward—a win-win in my book!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and creamy sauce envelops tender chicken and rice
One-pot preparation for minimal cleanup
Quick and satisfying meal ready in just 45 minutes

      

Mastering the Creaminess

The secret to achieving a velvety sauce in this Creamy One Pot Chicken and Rice lies in the heavy cream. Make sure to stir it in at the right time, after the rice has simmered for 15 minutes. This timing is crucial because it allows the rice to absorb most of the broth, creating a rich base that pairs perfectly with the cream. If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead, but keep in mind that it may not yield the same luxurious texture.

When incorporating the cream, make sure to keep the heat low to avoid curdling. Watch for a creamy, glossy finish as you stir it in; this indicates that the sauce will coat the rice beautifully. If you like a thicker sauce, you might simmer it uncovered for an additional few minutes after adding the cream and peas, letting some liquid evaporate until it reaches your desired consistency.

Ingredient Insights

Each component of this dish plays a critical role in flavor and texture. The chicken breasts not only provide protein but also absorb the seasoning well, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Choose high-quality, fresh chicken for the best results, and cut it into uniform pieces; this ensures even cooking throughout. Alternatively, boneless thighs can be used for a richer flavor if you prefer.

Rice is equally important for the creaminess of the dish. Long-grain rice is recommended here due to its ability to remain fluffy, preventing a gooey texture. If you opt for brown rice, remember to increase the cooking time and liquid, as it requires more than white rice. Additionally, for a pop of color and nutrition, feel free to substitute or add other frozen vegetables like carrots or corn along with the peas.

Tips for Success

To enhance the flavor of your dish, consider marinating the diced chicken in a mixture of olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse your chicken with extra flavor and tenderize it. If you have herbs like fresh thyme or parsley on hand, chop some and sprinkle over the dish before serving for a fresh finish.

One-pot meals are about efficiency, but if you're making this ahead, keep the creamy sauce separate until you’re ready to serve. This can help prevent the rice from becoming mushy upon reheating. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and for freezing, ensure it's in a freezer-safe container, where it will last about a month. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to revive the creaminess as the dish heats on the stove.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Brown the Chicken

Add the diced chicken to the pot, season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 7-10 minutes.

Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the rice, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.

Stir in Cream and Peas

After 15 minutes, stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas. Cover again and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the rice is tender and the sauce is creamy.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding herbs such as parsley or cilantro just before serving. You can also substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy One Pot Chicken and Rice can be served on its own for a hearty meal, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for added texture and flavor. For a special touch, consider garnishing with grated parmesan cheese or fresh herbs just before serving to boost the dish's visual appeal.

If you're catering to a crowd or want to take this dish to a potluck, consider doubling the recipe. This meal is easy to scale; just make sure your pot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients, and keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary slightly with larger quantities.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your rice is still hard after the recommended cooking time, don’t panic. Simply add a little more chicken broth or water, cover the pot, and let it steam on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will allow the rice to absorb more liquid and soften properly without burning.

In case you find the sauce too thick after cooking, you can easily remedy it by stirring in more heavy cream or a bit of broth, little by little. This way, you can adjust the consistency to your preference without compromising the flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and possibly add more liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ What can I serve this dish with?

This dish is quite hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or crusty bread.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat when ready. Just add a splash of broth to loosen it up when reheating.

→ Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Store in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.