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: 2 cups chicken breast, diced; 1 cup long-grain rice; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup frozen peas; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Highlighted under: Timeless Comfort Foods

I absolutely love this Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice recipe! The way the flavors blend together creates a comforting meal that feels both indulgent and homely. I enjoy preparing it on busy nights when I'm craving something delicious but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The chicken turns out juicy, and the rice absorbs all the creamy goodness, making it a favorite for both my family and friends. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s sure to impress anyone at your table!

Created by

Maya Richardson

Last updated on 2026-02-01T23:33:36.065Z

When I first tried making Creamy One Pot Chicken And Rice, I was unsure how all those flavors would meld together in just one pot. After my first taste, I discovered it's an incredible combination that has become a regular in my kitchen. The method ensures the chicken remains tender while the rice soaks up the rich sauce.

One specific tip I found is to let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking; this allows the flavors to deepen even more. It’s little details like that which transform a dish from good to unforgettable!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy sauce that envelops each bite
Simple one-pot preparation for easy cleanup
Perfect balance of flavors and textures

Cooking Technique Insights

When sautéing your chicken, it's crucial to leave some space between pieces in the pot. This prevents overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of browning. The goal is to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that contributes to the overall flavor. If needed, cook the chicken in batches to ensure optimal browning.

The method of simmering the rice with the chicken broth is essential for flavor absorption. Using long-grain rice ensures that the grains stay separate and fluffy. Keep an eye on your pot near the end of the simmering time; if you notice most of the liquid has evaporated before the rice is tender, you can add a splash more broth or water to finish cooking without burning the rice at the bottom.

Creaminess Factor

The heavy cream is what elevates this dish from ordinary to indulgent. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk, but be aware that the texture will differ. The cream not only enriches the dish but also helps thicken the sauce as it cooks, creating that luxurious mouthfeel that coats the chicken and rice perfectly.

Incorporating the peas toward the end of cooking ensures they maintain their bright green color and fresh flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute peas with other vegetables like spinach or asparagus, which can be added at the same time for a different texture and taste without sacrificing the overall creaminess.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This one-pot dish stores beautifully. You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend doing so on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore some creaminess and prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

For serving, consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan to enhance the flavor further. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread for soaking up the creamy sauce, making it a complete and fulfilling meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups chicken breast, diced
1 cup long-grain rice
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes.

Add Onions and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the rice, chicken broth, and thyme, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Incorporate Cream and Peas

After 20 minutes, stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas. Mix until well combined and cook for an additional 5 minutes with the lid off.

Serve

Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can incorporate some shredded cheese at the end before serving. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can also enhance the dish's freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to heavy cream, you can use Greek yogurt or coconut milk to achieve a similar creamy texture without the calories. Just remember to add them toward the end of cooking to prevent curdling, especially with yogurt.

In case you're out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works just as well, maintaining the dish's richness while catering to vegetarian diets. Adjusting the seasoning might be necessary, as vegetable broth can sometimes be less salty than chicken broth.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your rice turns out mushy, it could be due to cooking too long or using too much liquid. For best results, measure the broth accurately, and always check the rice a few minutes before the recommended cooking time. If you find it mushy, next time consider reducing the liquid slightly or checking for doneness earlier.

Conversely, if the rice is undercooked and there’s still liquid, don’t fear! Just cover the pot again and let it simmer for an additional few minutes until the rice softens. The residual heat will continue cooking it without needing to add more liquid.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings. Use a larger pot to ensure even cooking and space for the ingredients. Just keep an eye on the liquid levels since more ingredients can absorb more broth; you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as well.

For a smaller portion, you can halve the ingredients, but do remember that cooking time may remain similar, especially for the rice. Make sure to taste throughout the cooking process to get the flavors just right, adjusting seasonings as desired.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice usually requires more liquid and a longer cooking time.

→ Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative.

→ Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before enjoying.